first national bank building baseline documents

113
1 EXHIBIT B HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville (1835-1853)- The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville was established by the General Assembly on January 10, 1835. 1 Despite the lack of a building to house the bank, the state appointed a board of directors to oversee the bank’s progress on January 9, 1835, members included: Bartley M. Lowe (President), Thomas Brandon, James Bradley, Hugh Caperton, Richard Campbell, Daniel Coleman, James J. Donegan, Stephen S. Ewing, Alva Finley, Thomas Fearn, Arthur F. Hopkins, Francis T. Mastin, Benjamin Patterson, Edward W. Parker, John Read, Henry Stokes, and Preston Yeatman. 2 Documentary evidence shows that on February 25, 1835, the directors of the Branch Bank appointed a committee, comprised of Stephen S. Ewing, Thomas Fearn, and Benjamin Patteson, “to receive proposals for the purchase of a building or lot suitable for a Bank House.3 According to a report from the committee on March 14, 1835, “several propositions from different individuals” had been received. 4 The committee, however, was unable to secure an appropriate location for the bank by April 22, 1835, and was then appointed “to procure a temporary Banking House so soon as the State bonds may be sold, and have it properly prepared for business.” 5 Starting in May of 1835, the bank began renting a space for $250.00 a year (see figure 7). 6 A copy of a report dated 1 st October, 1835 from the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the State of Alabama found in the January 26, 1836 addition of the Southern Advocate, shows that the bank was in operation. 7 Although the bank was in operation, corresponding deeds for the plots of land at the corner of Bank Row (now West Side Square) and Fountain Row (now Fountain Circle) show that the bank had not yet acquired the site that the current bank building now stands on. 1 Alexander B. Meek, comp., "Supplement Aikin's Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama," (Alabama: White & Snow, 1841), 19. 2 E. Walter Burkhardt, "First National Bank, Jefferson Street & Fountain Row, Huntsville, Madison County, AL," Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey, 1934, http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/hh/item/al0351/ (accessed July 2, 2015). 3 William H. Brantley, Banking In Alabama: 1816-1860, vol. I (Private Publisher, 1961), 376-377. The above quotaon, according to Brantley, was pulled from a book that originally belonged to Samuel Chapman Lacy and was made available courtesy of Maud McClure Kelly. 4 Brantley, 377. 5 Ibid. 6 Ibid. 7 "Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville, 1st October, 1835." Southern Advocate. Vol. XI. no. 40. Huntsville, January 26, 1836, microfilm roll # 12.

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Baseline document for the First National Bank Building Preservation Easement.

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Page 1: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

1

EXHIBIT B

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE

The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville (1835-1853)-

The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville was established by the

General Assembly on January 10 18351 Despite the lack of a building to house the bank the

state appointed a board of directors to oversee the bankrsquos progress on January 9 1835 members

included Bartley M Lowe (President) Thomas Brandon James Bradley Hugh Caperton

Richard Campbell Daniel Coleman James J Donegan Stephen S Ewing Alva Finley Thomas

Fearn Arthur F Hopkins Francis T Mastin Benjamin Patterson Edward W Parker John Read

Henry Stokes and Preston Yeatman2 Documentary evidence shows that on February 25 1835

the directors of the Branch Bank appointed a committee comprised of Stephen S Ewing

Thomas Fearn and Benjamin Patteson ldquoto receive proposals for the purchase of a building or lot

suitable for a Bank Houserdquo3 According to a report from the committee on March 14 1835

ldquoseveral propositions from different individualsrdquo had been received4 The committee however

was unable to secure an appropriate location for the bank by April 22 1835 and was then

appointed ldquoto procure a temporary Banking House so soon as the State bonds may be sold and

have it properly prepared for businessrdquo5 Starting in May of 1835 the bank began renting a

space for $25000 a year (see figure 7)6 A copy of a report dated 1

st October 1835 from the

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of

the State of Alabama found in the January 26 1836 addition of the Southern Advocate shows

that the bank was in operation7

Although the bank was in operation corresponding deeds for the plots of land at the

corner of Bank Row (now West Side Square) and Fountain Row (now Fountain Circle) show

that the bank had not yet acquired the site that the current bank building now stands on

1 Alexander B Meek comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama (Alabama

White amp Snow 1841) 19

2 E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County

AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

3 William H Brantley Banking In Alabama 1816-1860 vol I (Private Publisher 1961) 376-377 The

above quotation according to Brantley was pulled from a book that originally belonged to Samuel Chapman Lacy and was made available courtesy of Maud McClure Kelly

4 Brantley 377

5 Ibid

6 Ibid

7 Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern Advocate Vol XI

no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836 microfilm roll 12

2

Figure 1 Excerpt of January 26 1836 newspaper article Document B List of the Furniture bought for the Branch of

the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville 1835 Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

3

Figure 2 Excerpt of January 26 1836 newspaper article Document C Statement of expenses of the Branch of the

Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville 1835 Highlighted areas state ldquoG amp G W Steel for repairing bank

houserdquo ldquo6 morsquos rent for bank house from 1st of May at $250 per year 12500rdquo and ldquoAdvertising proposals for

building banking house (twice) 900rdquo Image courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

4

Property for the construction of the new Branch Bank building was purchased from four

separate property owners between March and December of 1837 The dates of purchase are as

follows

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to the Branch of the Bank of the State

of Alabama at Huntsville two hundred and eighty eight square yards for the sum

of $200000 on March 3 18378

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to the Branch of the Bank of the State

of Alabama at Huntsville three ldquocertain lots pieces or parcels of groundrdquo for the

sum of $800000 on March 15 18379

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State

of Alabama at Huntsville a parcel of ground for the sum of $40000 on March 24

183710

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville a certain lot of land for the sum of $200000 on December

4 183711

Primary documentation covering the construction of the bank is fragmented making the

exact details unclear Future examination of records at the Alabama Department of Archives and

History may shed more light on the date of construction and the early years of the bank building

According to William H Brantleyrsquos book Banking in Alabama 1816-1860 ldquothe only original

record available which gives any detail of the construction of the bank house is an old book the

property of Samuel Chapman Lacyrdquo12

The last know owner of the said Lacy book was Maud

McClure Kelly13

A cursory study shows that Maud McClure Kelly was Evelyn Letitia Lacy

Kellyrsquos (Samuel Chapman Lacyrsquos daughter) sister-in-law Maud likely acquired the book from

Evelyn

8 Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville

Deed Book Q (Huntsville March 3 1837) 424

9 Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q (Huntsville March 15 1837) 436

10 Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q (Huntsville March 24 1837) 437

11 Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q (Huntsville December 4 1837) 466

12 Brantley 377

13

Brantley 477

5

Efforts to locate the account book have been

unfruitful to date14

According to Brantley the earliest entry

in the Lacy book is a payment made to G amp G

W Steele on July 8 1837 for vault doors

Several entries of payments made to Steele

spanning the years of 1837-1840 highlight the

progress being made on the bankrsquos construction

A receipt entry dated September 14 1840 for the

amount of $106380 was made out to the Steele

brothers ldquoin full of all demands for building the

Bank Houserdquo15

According to Brantley the final

entry in the book reads ldquoby amount of your bill

for building the Banking House as settled by the

Board receipted and filedhellip$3414133rdquo16

Figure 3 Maude McClure Kelly Image courtesy

of Ancestrycom

Architect George Steele-

Considered to be the premiere antebellum architect for the city of Huntsville George

Gilliam Steele was born on April 1 1798 to George and Sally Gilliam Steele in Bedford County

Virginia Steelersquos early life remains largely shrouded and there are no known records that Steele

received any formal architectural training according to his obituary he was self-taught17

Steele

14

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t66885873_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015) Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordamptid=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015) Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birmingham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst (accessed May 07 2015)

15

Brantley 377 16

Ibid 17

Linda Bayer George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation (Spring 1979) 4 F Charles Vaughn Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no 1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-13 Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

6

came to Huntsville from Virginia around 1818 and soon

after began work as a brick-builder In December 1823

Steele married Eliza Ann Weaver (1808-1891)18

The two

had eight children Matthew W Steele (1824-1907) John

F Steele (1826-1903) George G Steele (1828-1859)

Sallie Fleming Steele (1829-1891) Mary Eliza Steele

(1832-1834) Ellen Elizabeth Steele (1832-1834) William

Angelo Steele (1836-1912) and Susan Eliza Steele (1839-

1913)19

Steele continued to expand his professional

repertoire to include architectural design One of his first

designs was a house he built for himself in 1824 located

at 519 Randolph Avenue Steele is also credited with the

design of the Feeney House (414 Randolph Avenue) the

Yeatman House (528 Adams Street) the Cox House (311

Lincoln Street) the Cabaniss House (603 Randolph

Avenue) the second Madison County Courthouse (no

longer extant) Mary Bibbrsquos Mausoleum (Maple Hill

Cemetery) Oak Place (808 Maysville Road) Pope

Mansion (403 Echols Avenue) the old Episcopal

binssedlldb=WebSearch-4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

18

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p195656965_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

19 Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Figure 4 George Gilliam Steele picture

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County

Public Library

7

Church of the Nativity on the corner of Eustis and Greene (no longer extant) the Fearn House

(517 Franklin Avenue) the Figures House (423 Randolph Avenue) the Presidentrsquos House (413

Randolph Avenue) Huntsville Female College (no longer extant) and Huntsville Female

Seminary School (no longer extant) George Steele died on October 21 1855 and was buried in

Maple Hill Cemetery20

His obituary in the ldquoSouthern Advocaterdquo read

Capt George Steele was born in Virginia in Bedford County on the ___

He resided up to his death the 21st inst in his 58

th year It is not the language of

the idle panegyric to say that George Steele was a man of marked individuality ndash

of positive characteristics and of impressive being There was nothing passive

doubtful or unreliable about him He was open and bold in expression and

prompt and energetic in action ndash Upon all questions affecting private or public

W__ [well] he had an opinion and could be placed by the most casual observer

He was loyal and sure() to those who loved him abt() but to those men

who sought him sweet as summer He was a warm and confiding friend never

forgetting a favor or a kindness and ready to spend and be spent aid of those who

survived his confidence

Capt Steelersquos life was an active one He grappled with the stern realities of

existence at the very threshold of manhood Without the adventurous and _____

way through all obstacles and over powerful opposition He was

self-educated ndash physically mechanically mentally artistically Of an iron will

indomitable energy and keen sagacity he met difficulties but overcame them and

kept straight on in the goal of merited success He was eminently a practical man-

a cultivated Mechanic ndash a Master builder ndash an accomplished Architect He had

not only learnt the drudgery of this profession but even passed beyond and

became an undertaker a designer a creator His judgment his taste his artistic

skill have become institutional They are seen open to the light of day manifest

the most obtuse in the Public Buildings in Huntsville ndash the Bank Court House

Blossom Institute Female Seminary Episcopal and Cumberland Churches many

of the residences in town and his own beautiful and tastefully adorned mansion

Huntsville is noted abroad for its improvements and public buildings To no one

so much as George Steele is the town indebted for its reputation His advice his

taste his hand are visible everywhere and for the better too He looked not only

to the present but to the future in all that he advised planned or executed and

Huntsville will long have cause to be grateful to his memory

Capt Steele was of a warm generous impulsive nature He was not free of

faults who that is mortal is But they were mere specks in the pure gold of his

character ndash ldquoHis faults lie gently on himrdquo Menrsquos virtues we would have live in

brass and their evil manners write in water His public character is known and

appreciated in this community where he lived moved and had his being so long

as usefully ndash as just ___and liberal in his dealings

20

Bayer 5-21

8

It was at home that George Steele also lived to benefit others There he lavished

his kindness and provided care over all dependent on him A kind husband an

indulgent yet not foolish father and a good master was the center of his family ndash

spared no pains apart and no expense in whatever ministered to their welfare

comfort or happiness Knowing the advantages of education by the lack of them

in his youth all his children were trained in the path of knowledge at the best

institutions He labored upwards to improve to elevate to educate the hand the

heart the mind the manners

His life was a successful one ndash a boisterous backward unpromising Spring ndash a

g___ grieving warm Summer an abundant yet short Autumn his demise sunk

into his ___ and his untimely ___ cut him off ___ was Winter with him And that

was mortal of him ___ gone from us ndash ldquolarge was his bounty and his soul

sincererdquo Let us imitate him in all the great good in his character which we are

still ___ and with a knowledge that we too are mortal and erring creatures21

Steele has long been attributed to the design of the Branch Bank building but is not the

only person to leave his mark on the structure According to the Lacy account book the building

was built with the help of several local subcontractors carpenters and masons including James

M Venable who ldquocovered the bank with sundry coppersrdquo Hugh N Moore who completed the

carpentry work William Hale who completed the painting Edward T and R Parker who

ldquoprovided the iron railings and installed them Thomas and William Brandon who completed the

stone and brick work Justin Dyer who was a subcontractor for the Brandon brothers and

Frederick Elgin who completed the stucco work for the slave quarters22

21 Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=WebSearch-4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

22

Brantley 377-378

9

The Panic of 1837

Figure 5 Political Cartoon by HR Robinson depicting the Panic of 1837 Print courtesy of the Library of

Congressrsquo Prints amp Photographs Catalog

Shortly after construction on the Branch Bank began the country experienced a large

scale panic known widely as the Panic of 1837 The Panic of 1837 has long been attributed to a

real estate bubble and inconsistent American banking policies The crisis began in 1836 when

the Bank of the United States lost its charter this in turn allowed the nationrsquos banks to issue

private banknotes unsupported by gold or silver Shortly thereafter President Andrew Jackson

passed the Specie Circular of 1836 This executive order was a reaction to excessive land

speculation and the use of unsupported paper money printed by sundry banks to purchase land

The order only allowed the purchase of government land using gold or silver By 1837 the

banks refused to redeem banknotes effectively shutting down commerce The initial Panic of

1837 and the subsequent depression that followed lasted for six-years23

The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville weathered this national

storm for a time In an annual report for the bank published in the November 18 1837 issue of

ldquoThe Democratrdquo Bank President Bartley M Lowe wrote

23

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012 httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

10

The statement of the ldquogeneral liabilities of the Bank and means to meet themrdquo

made without reference to the periods when those liabilities become due shows a

surplus of $16434442 Taking into consideration the late derangements in the

fiscal concerns of the country from the effects of which no banking institution

has been exempt a more favorable state of things could scarcely have been

anticipated and were it proper to close this communication here the friends of

this Branch might congratulate themselves on its prosperous condition24

All of the branches of the State Bank of Alabama including the branch at Huntsville

eventually succumbed to the pressures of the Panic of 183725

By February 4 1843 an Act

passed by the General Assembly allowed for the liquidation of the Branch of the Bank of the

State of Alabama at Huntsville26

After the Branch Bank at Huntsvillersquos charter expired January

1 1844 a commission was appointed in 1846 by order of the state legislature to ldquoonly continue

in operation for the security and collection of debts due to said Branch Bank and for the

settlement and liquidation of its affairsrdquo27

The committee completed its task by 1853 and the

bank building and land was sold in October of 185428

24

BM Lowe Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat (October 31 1837 Huntsville) 1

25 Linda Bayer George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief History 1

26

CC Clay comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama (Alabama Marmaduke J Slade 1843) 43

27

Bayer 1

28 The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z (Huntsville October 14

1854) 597Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z( Huntsville October 25

1854) 596 John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed Book BB

(Huntsville July 10 1857) 218-219 The deed dated July 10 1857 between John Whiting and Stephen Ewing is a later published document of an agreement made during the original purchase of the Bank property in 1837 A deed dated March 15 1837 between Stephen Ewing and the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville states that Ewing conveyed a parcel of land located on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row to the Branch Bank for the sum of $800000 The later deed dated July 101857 states ldquoMr Ewing having determined to take the House and lot owned by the Bank and receive the $1750 in exchange for the whole of his property on the bluff according to the proposition made to him at the last meeting_ Ordered that the President make to Mr Ewing a Deed for the lot sold to him and receive from him a Deed for the property sold by him to the bankrdquo The deed then goes on to say ldquoAnd whereas the said Stephen S Ewing afterwards on the 15

th day of March 1837 delivered

to the said Branch Bank a Deed of Conveyance of that date from him and his wife duly executed and acknowledged for the said property on the bluff And whereas no deed was ever made by the President of said Branch Bank or by any other person in pursuance of said resolution to the said Branch Bankrdquo It appears from these two records that Ewing made an agreement with the State Bank to exchange the property that he owned on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row for a plot of land and building that the Bank owned plus $175000 While Ewing held up his side of the agreement by creating a deed of sale in 1837 the Bank did not complete this task until 1857 after the Bank and land sold to the Nothern Bank of Alabama

11

The Northern Bank of Alabama and the Civil War (1852-1865)

Figure 6 Union occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1862 Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison

County Public Library

The Northern Bank of Alabama finalized the purchase of the bank house and lot in

October 1854 The bank remained in the possession of the Northern Bank of Alabama for fifteen

years Like the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville the Northern Bank of

Alabama was destined to face turmoil29

On April 12th

1861 the American Civil War tore

through the country marking the beginning of a tumultuous time in Huntsville

By and large Huntsville was a divided town prior to and during the Civil War

Huntsville composed of both landed gentry and yeoman farmers supported both Confederate

and Union sympathizers Despite the rift the fate of Huntsville like many towns and cities in

the south was irrevocably impacted by the Civil War30

Union troops led by General Ormsby M Mitchel seized control of Huntsville on the

morning of April 11 1862 Troops composed of the Indiana 5th

Independent Light Artillery 37th

29

Ibid 30

Taylor M Polites The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013 httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

12

Infantry the Illinois 19th

and 24th

Infantry and the Ohio 4th

Cavalry and 18th

Infantry led a

surprise attack on the city and Huntsville yielded to the encroaching Union Army with little

opposition31

One onlooker reported ldquothe clattering noise of the cavalry aroused them from their

slumber in the dawn of the morning and they flocked to door and window exclaiming with

blanched cheek and faltering tongue lsquoThey come They come The Yankees comersquordquo32

The interest of the Union army in Huntsville centered primarily on the capture of the

Huntsville Depot which served the Memphis and Charleston Railroads This particular junction

served as a major supply artery for the Confederate army the capture of which would help to

wound the rebel forces A Nashville newspaper Daily Union further described the situation

This Memphis and Charleston road is the only connection left the rebels between

Louisiana Mississippi and all Alabama west of Pensacola and the Southern

seaboard States Troops can only be sent east from New Orleans Natchez

Vicksburg Jackson Memphis Baton Rouge or Mobile or those points from

Virginia North or South Carolina or Georgia over the Memphis and Charleston

road the only railroad line now connecting the east and west of the rebellion Let

that road be once broken and the Southern Confederacy is cut into as effectually

as if a Chinese wall were built between the Gulf and the seaboard States33

Several buildings and homes in Huntsville were occupied by the Union army and were

used primarily as headquarters and encampments During the Civil War the Northern Bank of

Alabama was used as the commissary for Union troops (See figure 12) Local lore holds that

prior to the Federal occupation of Huntsville the bankrsquos cashier Theophilus Lacy placed the

bankrsquos funds in a burlap bag which he then hid inside one of the fireplace flues behind the

tellersrsquo cage Primary source documentation to support this tale has not been located34

Huntsville because of the Union occupation during the war escaped much of the terrible

destruction inflicted on other southern towns In general the occupation of Huntsville saw little

resistance Several of the pro-Confederate inhabitants did feel the weight of the occupation

however as Mary Jane Chadick a local Huntsville resident outlines in a diary entry dated April

12 1862 ldquoTruly our town is full of the enemy There is a sentinel at every corner Everybody

keeps the front door locked and I make it a point to answer the bell myself not permitting

children or servants to open it They have been searching the houses today for armshellip Servants

31

Deborah Storey Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml (accessed June 17 2015) Alabama Civil War Battles httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26 2015) Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama

32 Martha B Gabel General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical Review

(July 1971) 16 33

Gabel 14 Victoria Cumbow Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11 2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed June 17 2015)

34 Pat Jones The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review (April-July 1975) 26-27

13

Figure 7 Union Occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1864

Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

are giving information of all the

arms and soldiers who have been

concealedrdquo35

Some reprisal from pro-

Confederate bushwhackers did

occur these attacks escalated as

the occupation went on Mitchel

had difficulty maintaining order

throughout his widely spread

troops In a wire sent to

Washington Mitchel stated

ldquoArmed citizens fire into the

trains cut the telegraph wires

attack the guards of bridges cut

off and destroy my couriers

while guerrilla bands of cavalry

attack whenever there is the

slightest chance of successrdquo36

Mitchel attempted to restore order as is revealed in an April 28

1862 diary entry by Mary Jane Chadick that states ldquoGeneral Mitchel has been in a rage all the

week on account of the cutting of the telegraph wires the tearing up of the railroad track firing

into trains and holds the citizens responsible for the same having had 12 of the most prominent

arrestedrdquo General Mitchel and other Union officers took pains to ensure that the homes and

buildings that they occupied among them the Northern Bank building remained intact Only one

building the First Methodist Church on Greene Street was lost during the occupation when it

was accidentally burned down in January 1864 37

From April 11 1862 until the Civil Warrsquos end on April 9 1865 Federal troops occupied

the City of Huntsville By the warrsquos end a semblance of peace was restored to the City as the

Union occupation was lifted

35

Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

36 Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama 37

Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

14

The National Bank of Huntsville (1866-1889)

Figure 8 Photograph of the National Bank Building at Huntsville c 1870

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Pictured in front of

the building is bank cashier Theophilus Lacy Lacy held the position of cashier

of the bank with all of the institutions that occupied it until his death in 187438

During the first year after the war the Northern Bank of Alabama posted the sale of the

bank building for $3500000 ldquoreserving to themselves [existing stockholders] the right or

privilege of such occupancy as they require to wind up the affairs of the Northern Bank of

Alabama the said amount of $35000 to be paid in greenbacksrdquo Hard times hit Huntsville for a

brief period during Reconstruction leading to the sale of the Northern Bank of Alabama A

newly chartered bank the National Bank of Huntsville offered to purchase the property for

$30000 The sum was to be paid in three installments the first payment of $10000 to be paid

up-front the second to be paid at the end of the year and the third to be paid two years after the

38

Jones 28 In meeting minutes from the National Bank of Huntsville dated February 4 1874 members noted ldquoSince the last meeting of the board Theophilus Lacy the beloved and worthy cashier of the National Bank of Huntsville died at his residence within these walls on Tuesday night February 10 1874 at the age of 70 years one month 10 days It were vain to attempt to impress in mere words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt grief of each member of this board occasioned by the death of a brother who was a gentle as a little child yet as firm as the solid mountains who was so pure in heart so right-minded in all things so patient and of such lofty rectitudehellip It is becoming to say that his accounts were kept in order and as in this world the balance was always on the right side His survivors have the full assurance that when he is weighed in the scales of eternal justice he will receive the just and righteous manrsquos rewardhelliprdquo

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 2: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

2

Figure 1 Excerpt of January 26 1836 newspaper article Document B List of the Furniture bought for the Branch of

the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville 1835 Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

3

Figure 2 Excerpt of January 26 1836 newspaper article Document C Statement of expenses of the Branch of the

Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville 1835 Highlighted areas state ldquoG amp G W Steel for repairing bank

houserdquo ldquo6 morsquos rent for bank house from 1st of May at $250 per year 12500rdquo and ldquoAdvertising proposals for

building banking house (twice) 900rdquo Image courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

4

Property for the construction of the new Branch Bank building was purchased from four

separate property owners between March and December of 1837 The dates of purchase are as

follows

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to the Branch of the Bank of the State

of Alabama at Huntsville two hundred and eighty eight square yards for the sum

of $200000 on March 3 18378

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to the Branch of the Bank of the State

of Alabama at Huntsville three ldquocertain lots pieces or parcels of groundrdquo for the

sum of $800000 on March 15 18379

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State

of Alabama at Huntsville a parcel of ground for the sum of $40000 on March 24

183710

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville a certain lot of land for the sum of $200000 on December

4 183711

Primary documentation covering the construction of the bank is fragmented making the

exact details unclear Future examination of records at the Alabama Department of Archives and

History may shed more light on the date of construction and the early years of the bank building

According to William H Brantleyrsquos book Banking in Alabama 1816-1860 ldquothe only original

record available which gives any detail of the construction of the bank house is an old book the

property of Samuel Chapman Lacyrdquo12

The last know owner of the said Lacy book was Maud

McClure Kelly13

A cursory study shows that Maud McClure Kelly was Evelyn Letitia Lacy

Kellyrsquos (Samuel Chapman Lacyrsquos daughter) sister-in-law Maud likely acquired the book from

Evelyn

8 Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville

Deed Book Q (Huntsville March 3 1837) 424

9 Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q (Huntsville March 15 1837) 436

10 Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q (Huntsville March 24 1837) 437

11 Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q (Huntsville December 4 1837) 466

12 Brantley 377

13

Brantley 477

5

Efforts to locate the account book have been

unfruitful to date14

According to Brantley the earliest entry

in the Lacy book is a payment made to G amp G

W Steele on July 8 1837 for vault doors

Several entries of payments made to Steele

spanning the years of 1837-1840 highlight the

progress being made on the bankrsquos construction

A receipt entry dated September 14 1840 for the

amount of $106380 was made out to the Steele

brothers ldquoin full of all demands for building the

Bank Houserdquo15

According to Brantley the final

entry in the book reads ldquoby amount of your bill

for building the Banking House as settled by the

Board receipted and filedhellip$3414133rdquo16

Figure 3 Maude McClure Kelly Image courtesy

of Ancestrycom

Architect George Steele-

Considered to be the premiere antebellum architect for the city of Huntsville George

Gilliam Steele was born on April 1 1798 to George and Sally Gilliam Steele in Bedford County

Virginia Steelersquos early life remains largely shrouded and there are no known records that Steele

received any formal architectural training according to his obituary he was self-taught17

Steele

14

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t66885873_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015) Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordamptid=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015) Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birmingham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst (accessed May 07 2015)

15

Brantley 377 16

Ibid 17

Linda Bayer George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation (Spring 1979) 4 F Charles Vaughn Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no 1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-13 Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

6

came to Huntsville from Virginia around 1818 and soon

after began work as a brick-builder In December 1823

Steele married Eliza Ann Weaver (1808-1891)18

The two

had eight children Matthew W Steele (1824-1907) John

F Steele (1826-1903) George G Steele (1828-1859)

Sallie Fleming Steele (1829-1891) Mary Eliza Steele

(1832-1834) Ellen Elizabeth Steele (1832-1834) William

Angelo Steele (1836-1912) and Susan Eliza Steele (1839-

1913)19

Steele continued to expand his professional

repertoire to include architectural design One of his first

designs was a house he built for himself in 1824 located

at 519 Randolph Avenue Steele is also credited with the

design of the Feeney House (414 Randolph Avenue) the

Yeatman House (528 Adams Street) the Cox House (311

Lincoln Street) the Cabaniss House (603 Randolph

Avenue) the second Madison County Courthouse (no

longer extant) Mary Bibbrsquos Mausoleum (Maple Hill

Cemetery) Oak Place (808 Maysville Road) Pope

Mansion (403 Echols Avenue) the old Episcopal

binssedlldb=WebSearch-4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

18

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p195656965_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

19 Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Figure 4 George Gilliam Steele picture

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County

Public Library

7

Church of the Nativity on the corner of Eustis and Greene (no longer extant) the Fearn House

(517 Franklin Avenue) the Figures House (423 Randolph Avenue) the Presidentrsquos House (413

Randolph Avenue) Huntsville Female College (no longer extant) and Huntsville Female

Seminary School (no longer extant) George Steele died on October 21 1855 and was buried in

Maple Hill Cemetery20

His obituary in the ldquoSouthern Advocaterdquo read

Capt George Steele was born in Virginia in Bedford County on the ___

He resided up to his death the 21st inst in his 58

th year It is not the language of

the idle panegyric to say that George Steele was a man of marked individuality ndash

of positive characteristics and of impressive being There was nothing passive

doubtful or unreliable about him He was open and bold in expression and

prompt and energetic in action ndash Upon all questions affecting private or public

W__ [well] he had an opinion and could be placed by the most casual observer

He was loyal and sure() to those who loved him abt() but to those men

who sought him sweet as summer He was a warm and confiding friend never

forgetting a favor or a kindness and ready to spend and be spent aid of those who

survived his confidence

Capt Steelersquos life was an active one He grappled with the stern realities of

existence at the very threshold of manhood Without the adventurous and _____

way through all obstacles and over powerful opposition He was

self-educated ndash physically mechanically mentally artistically Of an iron will

indomitable energy and keen sagacity he met difficulties but overcame them and

kept straight on in the goal of merited success He was eminently a practical man-

a cultivated Mechanic ndash a Master builder ndash an accomplished Architect He had

not only learnt the drudgery of this profession but even passed beyond and

became an undertaker a designer a creator His judgment his taste his artistic

skill have become institutional They are seen open to the light of day manifest

the most obtuse in the Public Buildings in Huntsville ndash the Bank Court House

Blossom Institute Female Seminary Episcopal and Cumberland Churches many

of the residences in town and his own beautiful and tastefully adorned mansion

Huntsville is noted abroad for its improvements and public buildings To no one

so much as George Steele is the town indebted for its reputation His advice his

taste his hand are visible everywhere and for the better too He looked not only

to the present but to the future in all that he advised planned or executed and

Huntsville will long have cause to be grateful to his memory

Capt Steele was of a warm generous impulsive nature He was not free of

faults who that is mortal is But they were mere specks in the pure gold of his

character ndash ldquoHis faults lie gently on himrdquo Menrsquos virtues we would have live in

brass and their evil manners write in water His public character is known and

appreciated in this community where he lived moved and had his being so long

as usefully ndash as just ___and liberal in his dealings

20

Bayer 5-21

8

It was at home that George Steele also lived to benefit others There he lavished

his kindness and provided care over all dependent on him A kind husband an

indulgent yet not foolish father and a good master was the center of his family ndash

spared no pains apart and no expense in whatever ministered to their welfare

comfort or happiness Knowing the advantages of education by the lack of them

in his youth all his children were trained in the path of knowledge at the best

institutions He labored upwards to improve to elevate to educate the hand the

heart the mind the manners

His life was a successful one ndash a boisterous backward unpromising Spring ndash a

g___ grieving warm Summer an abundant yet short Autumn his demise sunk

into his ___ and his untimely ___ cut him off ___ was Winter with him And that

was mortal of him ___ gone from us ndash ldquolarge was his bounty and his soul

sincererdquo Let us imitate him in all the great good in his character which we are

still ___ and with a knowledge that we too are mortal and erring creatures21

Steele has long been attributed to the design of the Branch Bank building but is not the

only person to leave his mark on the structure According to the Lacy account book the building

was built with the help of several local subcontractors carpenters and masons including James

M Venable who ldquocovered the bank with sundry coppersrdquo Hugh N Moore who completed the

carpentry work William Hale who completed the painting Edward T and R Parker who

ldquoprovided the iron railings and installed them Thomas and William Brandon who completed the

stone and brick work Justin Dyer who was a subcontractor for the Brandon brothers and

Frederick Elgin who completed the stucco work for the slave quarters22

21 Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=WebSearch-4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

22

Brantley 377-378

9

The Panic of 1837

Figure 5 Political Cartoon by HR Robinson depicting the Panic of 1837 Print courtesy of the Library of

Congressrsquo Prints amp Photographs Catalog

Shortly after construction on the Branch Bank began the country experienced a large

scale panic known widely as the Panic of 1837 The Panic of 1837 has long been attributed to a

real estate bubble and inconsistent American banking policies The crisis began in 1836 when

the Bank of the United States lost its charter this in turn allowed the nationrsquos banks to issue

private banknotes unsupported by gold or silver Shortly thereafter President Andrew Jackson

passed the Specie Circular of 1836 This executive order was a reaction to excessive land

speculation and the use of unsupported paper money printed by sundry banks to purchase land

The order only allowed the purchase of government land using gold or silver By 1837 the

banks refused to redeem banknotes effectively shutting down commerce The initial Panic of

1837 and the subsequent depression that followed lasted for six-years23

The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville weathered this national

storm for a time In an annual report for the bank published in the November 18 1837 issue of

ldquoThe Democratrdquo Bank President Bartley M Lowe wrote

23

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012 httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

10

The statement of the ldquogeneral liabilities of the Bank and means to meet themrdquo

made without reference to the periods when those liabilities become due shows a

surplus of $16434442 Taking into consideration the late derangements in the

fiscal concerns of the country from the effects of which no banking institution

has been exempt a more favorable state of things could scarcely have been

anticipated and were it proper to close this communication here the friends of

this Branch might congratulate themselves on its prosperous condition24

All of the branches of the State Bank of Alabama including the branch at Huntsville

eventually succumbed to the pressures of the Panic of 183725

By February 4 1843 an Act

passed by the General Assembly allowed for the liquidation of the Branch of the Bank of the

State of Alabama at Huntsville26

After the Branch Bank at Huntsvillersquos charter expired January

1 1844 a commission was appointed in 1846 by order of the state legislature to ldquoonly continue

in operation for the security and collection of debts due to said Branch Bank and for the

settlement and liquidation of its affairsrdquo27

The committee completed its task by 1853 and the

bank building and land was sold in October of 185428

24

BM Lowe Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat (October 31 1837 Huntsville) 1

25 Linda Bayer George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief History 1

26

CC Clay comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama (Alabama Marmaduke J Slade 1843) 43

27

Bayer 1

28 The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z (Huntsville October 14

1854) 597Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z( Huntsville October 25

1854) 596 John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed Book BB

(Huntsville July 10 1857) 218-219 The deed dated July 10 1857 between John Whiting and Stephen Ewing is a later published document of an agreement made during the original purchase of the Bank property in 1837 A deed dated March 15 1837 between Stephen Ewing and the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville states that Ewing conveyed a parcel of land located on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row to the Branch Bank for the sum of $800000 The later deed dated July 101857 states ldquoMr Ewing having determined to take the House and lot owned by the Bank and receive the $1750 in exchange for the whole of his property on the bluff according to the proposition made to him at the last meeting_ Ordered that the President make to Mr Ewing a Deed for the lot sold to him and receive from him a Deed for the property sold by him to the bankrdquo The deed then goes on to say ldquoAnd whereas the said Stephen S Ewing afterwards on the 15

th day of March 1837 delivered

to the said Branch Bank a Deed of Conveyance of that date from him and his wife duly executed and acknowledged for the said property on the bluff And whereas no deed was ever made by the President of said Branch Bank or by any other person in pursuance of said resolution to the said Branch Bankrdquo It appears from these two records that Ewing made an agreement with the State Bank to exchange the property that he owned on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row for a plot of land and building that the Bank owned plus $175000 While Ewing held up his side of the agreement by creating a deed of sale in 1837 the Bank did not complete this task until 1857 after the Bank and land sold to the Nothern Bank of Alabama

11

The Northern Bank of Alabama and the Civil War (1852-1865)

Figure 6 Union occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1862 Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison

County Public Library

The Northern Bank of Alabama finalized the purchase of the bank house and lot in

October 1854 The bank remained in the possession of the Northern Bank of Alabama for fifteen

years Like the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville the Northern Bank of

Alabama was destined to face turmoil29

On April 12th

1861 the American Civil War tore

through the country marking the beginning of a tumultuous time in Huntsville

By and large Huntsville was a divided town prior to and during the Civil War

Huntsville composed of both landed gentry and yeoman farmers supported both Confederate

and Union sympathizers Despite the rift the fate of Huntsville like many towns and cities in

the south was irrevocably impacted by the Civil War30

Union troops led by General Ormsby M Mitchel seized control of Huntsville on the

morning of April 11 1862 Troops composed of the Indiana 5th

Independent Light Artillery 37th

29

Ibid 30

Taylor M Polites The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013 httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

12

Infantry the Illinois 19th

and 24th

Infantry and the Ohio 4th

Cavalry and 18th

Infantry led a

surprise attack on the city and Huntsville yielded to the encroaching Union Army with little

opposition31

One onlooker reported ldquothe clattering noise of the cavalry aroused them from their

slumber in the dawn of the morning and they flocked to door and window exclaiming with

blanched cheek and faltering tongue lsquoThey come They come The Yankees comersquordquo32

The interest of the Union army in Huntsville centered primarily on the capture of the

Huntsville Depot which served the Memphis and Charleston Railroads This particular junction

served as a major supply artery for the Confederate army the capture of which would help to

wound the rebel forces A Nashville newspaper Daily Union further described the situation

This Memphis and Charleston road is the only connection left the rebels between

Louisiana Mississippi and all Alabama west of Pensacola and the Southern

seaboard States Troops can only be sent east from New Orleans Natchez

Vicksburg Jackson Memphis Baton Rouge or Mobile or those points from

Virginia North or South Carolina or Georgia over the Memphis and Charleston

road the only railroad line now connecting the east and west of the rebellion Let

that road be once broken and the Southern Confederacy is cut into as effectually

as if a Chinese wall were built between the Gulf and the seaboard States33

Several buildings and homes in Huntsville were occupied by the Union army and were

used primarily as headquarters and encampments During the Civil War the Northern Bank of

Alabama was used as the commissary for Union troops (See figure 12) Local lore holds that

prior to the Federal occupation of Huntsville the bankrsquos cashier Theophilus Lacy placed the

bankrsquos funds in a burlap bag which he then hid inside one of the fireplace flues behind the

tellersrsquo cage Primary source documentation to support this tale has not been located34

Huntsville because of the Union occupation during the war escaped much of the terrible

destruction inflicted on other southern towns In general the occupation of Huntsville saw little

resistance Several of the pro-Confederate inhabitants did feel the weight of the occupation

however as Mary Jane Chadick a local Huntsville resident outlines in a diary entry dated April

12 1862 ldquoTruly our town is full of the enemy There is a sentinel at every corner Everybody

keeps the front door locked and I make it a point to answer the bell myself not permitting

children or servants to open it They have been searching the houses today for armshellip Servants

31

Deborah Storey Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml (accessed June 17 2015) Alabama Civil War Battles httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26 2015) Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama

32 Martha B Gabel General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical Review

(July 1971) 16 33

Gabel 14 Victoria Cumbow Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11 2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed June 17 2015)

34 Pat Jones The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review (April-July 1975) 26-27

13

Figure 7 Union Occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1864

Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

are giving information of all the

arms and soldiers who have been

concealedrdquo35

Some reprisal from pro-

Confederate bushwhackers did

occur these attacks escalated as

the occupation went on Mitchel

had difficulty maintaining order

throughout his widely spread

troops In a wire sent to

Washington Mitchel stated

ldquoArmed citizens fire into the

trains cut the telegraph wires

attack the guards of bridges cut

off and destroy my couriers

while guerrilla bands of cavalry

attack whenever there is the

slightest chance of successrdquo36

Mitchel attempted to restore order as is revealed in an April 28

1862 diary entry by Mary Jane Chadick that states ldquoGeneral Mitchel has been in a rage all the

week on account of the cutting of the telegraph wires the tearing up of the railroad track firing

into trains and holds the citizens responsible for the same having had 12 of the most prominent

arrestedrdquo General Mitchel and other Union officers took pains to ensure that the homes and

buildings that they occupied among them the Northern Bank building remained intact Only one

building the First Methodist Church on Greene Street was lost during the occupation when it

was accidentally burned down in January 1864 37

From April 11 1862 until the Civil Warrsquos end on April 9 1865 Federal troops occupied

the City of Huntsville By the warrsquos end a semblance of peace was restored to the City as the

Union occupation was lifted

35

Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

36 Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama 37

Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

14

The National Bank of Huntsville (1866-1889)

Figure 8 Photograph of the National Bank Building at Huntsville c 1870

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Pictured in front of

the building is bank cashier Theophilus Lacy Lacy held the position of cashier

of the bank with all of the institutions that occupied it until his death in 187438

During the first year after the war the Northern Bank of Alabama posted the sale of the

bank building for $3500000 ldquoreserving to themselves [existing stockholders] the right or

privilege of such occupancy as they require to wind up the affairs of the Northern Bank of

Alabama the said amount of $35000 to be paid in greenbacksrdquo Hard times hit Huntsville for a

brief period during Reconstruction leading to the sale of the Northern Bank of Alabama A

newly chartered bank the National Bank of Huntsville offered to purchase the property for

$30000 The sum was to be paid in three installments the first payment of $10000 to be paid

up-front the second to be paid at the end of the year and the third to be paid two years after the

38

Jones 28 In meeting minutes from the National Bank of Huntsville dated February 4 1874 members noted ldquoSince the last meeting of the board Theophilus Lacy the beloved and worthy cashier of the National Bank of Huntsville died at his residence within these walls on Tuesday night February 10 1874 at the age of 70 years one month 10 days It were vain to attempt to impress in mere words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt grief of each member of this board occasioned by the death of a brother who was a gentle as a little child yet as firm as the solid mountains who was so pure in heart so right-minded in all things so patient and of such lofty rectitudehellip It is becoming to say that his accounts were kept in order and as in this world the balance was always on the right side His survivors have the full assurance that when he is weighed in the scales of eternal justice he will receive the just and righteous manrsquos rewardhelliprdquo

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 3: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

3

Figure 2 Excerpt of January 26 1836 newspaper article Document C Statement of expenses of the Branch of the

Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville 1835 Highlighted areas state ldquoG amp G W Steel for repairing bank

houserdquo ldquo6 morsquos rent for bank house from 1st of May at $250 per year 12500rdquo and ldquoAdvertising proposals for

building banking house (twice) 900rdquo Image courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

4

Property for the construction of the new Branch Bank building was purchased from four

separate property owners between March and December of 1837 The dates of purchase are as

follows

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to the Branch of the Bank of the State

of Alabama at Huntsville two hundred and eighty eight square yards for the sum

of $200000 on March 3 18378

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to the Branch of the Bank of the State

of Alabama at Huntsville three ldquocertain lots pieces or parcels of groundrdquo for the

sum of $800000 on March 15 18379

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State

of Alabama at Huntsville a parcel of ground for the sum of $40000 on March 24

183710

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville a certain lot of land for the sum of $200000 on December

4 183711

Primary documentation covering the construction of the bank is fragmented making the

exact details unclear Future examination of records at the Alabama Department of Archives and

History may shed more light on the date of construction and the early years of the bank building

According to William H Brantleyrsquos book Banking in Alabama 1816-1860 ldquothe only original

record available which gives any detail of the construction of the bank house is an old book the

property of Samuel Chapman Lacyrdquo12

The last know owner of the said Lacy book was Maud

McClure Kelly13

A cursory study shows that Maud McClure Kelly was Evelyn Letitia Lacy

Kellyrsquos (Samuel Chapman Lacyrsquos daughter) sister-in-law Maud likely acquired the book from

Evelyn

8 Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville

Deed Book Q (Huntsville March 3 1837) 424

9 Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q (Huntsville March 15 1837) 436

10 Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q (Huntsville March 24 1837) 437

11 Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q (Huntsville December 4 1837) 466

12 Brantley 377

13

Brantley 477

5

Efforts to locate the account book have been

unfruitful to date14

According to Brantley the earliest entry

in the Lacy book is a payment made to G amp G

W Steele on July 8 1837 for vault doors

Several entries of payments made to Steele

spanning the years of 1837-1840 highlight the

progress being made on the bankrsquos construction

A receipt entry dated September 14 1840 for the

amount of $106380 was made out to the Steele

brothers ldquoin full of all demands for building the

Bank Houserdquo15

According to Brantley the final

entry in the book reads ldquoby amount of your bill

for building the Banking House as settled by the

Board receipted and filedhellip$3414133rdquo16

Figure 3 Maude McClure Kelly Image courtesy

of Ancestrycom

Architect George Steele-

Considered to be the premiere antebellum architect for the city of Huntsville George

Gilliam Steele was born on April 1 1798 to George and Sally Gilliam Steele in Bedford County

Virginia Steelersquos early life remains largely shrouded and there are no known records that Steele

received any formal architectural training according to his obituary he was self-taught17

Steele

14

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t66885873_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015) Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordamptid=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015) Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birmingham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst (accessed May 07 2015)

15

Brantley 377 16

Ibid 17

Linda Bayer George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation (Spring 1979) 4 F Charles Vaughn Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no 1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-13 Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

6

came to Huntsville from Virginia around 1818 and soon

after began work as a brick-builder In December 1823

Steele married Eliza Ann Weaver (1808-1891)18

The two

had eight children Matthew W Steele (1824-1907) John

F Steele (1826-1903) George G Steele (1828-1859)

Sallie Fleming Steele (1829-1891) Mary Eliza Steele

(1832-1834) Ellen Elizabeth Steele (1832-1834) William

Angelo Steele (1836-1912) and Susan Eliza Steele (1839-

1913)19

Steele continued to expand his professional

repertoire to include architectural design One of his first

designs was a house he built for himself in 1824 located

at 519 Randolph Avenue Steele is also credited with the

design of the Feeney House (414 Randolph Avenue) the

Yeatman House (528 Adams Street) the Cox House (311

Lincoln Street) the Cabaniss House (603 Randolph

Avenue) the second Madison County Courthouse (no

longer extant) Mary Bibbrsquos Mausoleum (Maple Hill

Cemetery) Oak Place (808 Maysville Road) Pope

Mansion (403 Echols Avenue) the old Episcopal

binssedlldb=WebSearch-4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

18

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p195656965_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

19 Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Figure 4 George Gilliam Steele picture

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County

Public Library

7

Church of the Nativity on the corner of Eustis and Greene (no longer extant) the Fearn House

(517 Franklin Avenue) the Figures House (423 Randolph Avenue) the Presidentrsquos House (413

Randolph Avenue) Huntsville Female College (no longer extant) and Huntsville Female

Seminary School (no longer extant) George Steele died on October 21 1855 and was buried in

Maple Hill Cemetery20

His obituary in the ldquoSouthern Advocaterdquo read

Capt George Steele was born in Virginia in Bedford County on the ___

He resided up to his death the 21st inst in his 58

th year It is not the language of

the idle panegyric to say that George Steele was a man of marked individuality ndash

of positive characteristics and of impressive being There was nothing passive

doubtful or unreliable about him He was open and bold in expression and

prompt and energetic in action ndash Upon all questions affecting private or public

W__ [well] he had an opinion and could be placed by the most casual observer

He was loyal and sure() to those who loved him abt() but to those men

who sought him sweet as summer He was a warm and confiding friend never

forgetting a favor or a kindness and ready to spend and be spent aid of those who

survived his confidence

Capt Steelersquos life was an active one He grappled with the stern realities of

existence at the very threshold of manhood Without the adventurous and _____

way through all obstacles and over powerful opposition He was

self-educated ndash physically mechanically mentally artistically Of an iron will

indomitable energy and keen sagacity he met difficulties but overcame them and

kept straight on in the goal of merited success He was eminently a practical man-

a cultivated Mechanic ndash a Master builder ndash an accomplished Architect He had

not only learnt the drudgery of this profession but even passed beyond and

became an undertaker a designer a creator His judgment his taste his artistic

skill have become institutional They are seen open to the light of day manifest

the most obtuse in the Public Buildings in Huntsville ndash the Bank Court House

Blossom Institute Female Seminary Episcopal and Cumberland Churches many

of the residences in town and his own beautiful and tastefully adorned mansion

Huntsville is noted abroad for its improvements and public buildings To no one

so much as George Steele is the town indebted for its reputation His advice his

taste his hand are visible everywhere and for the better too He looked not only

to the present but to the future in all that he advised planned or executed and

Huntsville will long have cause to be grateful to his memory

Capt Steele was of a warm generous impulsive nature He was not free of

faults who that is mortal is But they were mere specks in the pure gold of his

character ndash ldquoHis faults lie gently on himrdquo Menrsquos virtues we would have live in

brass and their evil manners write in water His public character is known and

appreciated in this community where he lived moved and had his being so long

as usefully ndash as just ___and liberal in his dealings

20

Bayer 5-21

8

It was at home that George Steele also lived to benefit others There he lavished

his kindness and provided care over all dependent on him A kind husband an

indulgent yet not foolish father and a good master was the center of his family ndash

spared no pains apart and no expense in whatever ministered to their welfare

comfort or happiness Knowing the advantages of education by the lack of them

in his youth all his children were trained in the path of knowledge at the best

institutions He labored upwards to improve to elevate to educate the hand the

heart the mind the manners

His life was a successful one ndash a boisterous backward unpromising Spring ndash a

g___ grieving warm Summer an abundant yet short Autumn his demise sunk

into his ___ and his untimely ___ cut him off ___ was Winter with him And that

was mortal of him ___ gone from us ndash ldquolarge was his bounty and his soul

sincererdquo Let us imitate him in all the great good in his character which we are

still ___ and with a knowledge that we too are mortal and erring creatures21

Steele has long been attributed to the design of the Branch Bank building but is not the

only person to leave his mark on the structure According to the Lacy account book the building

was built with the help of several local subcontractors carpenters and masons including James

M Venable who ldquocovered the bank with sundry coppersrdquo Hugh N Moore who completed the

carpentry work William Hale who completed the painting Edward T and R Parker who

ldquoprovided the iron railings and installed them Thomas and William Brandon who completed the

stone and brick work Justin Dyer who was a subcontractor for the Brandon brothers and

Frederick Elgin who completed the stucco work for the slave quarters22

21 Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=WebSearch-4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

22

Brantley 377-378

9

The Panic of 1837

Figure 5 Political Cartoon by HR Robinson depicting the Panic of 1837 Print courtesy of the Library of

Congressrsquo Prints amp Photographs Catalog

Shortly after construction on the Branch Bank began the country experienced a large

scale panic known widely as the Panic of 1837 The Panic of 1837 has long been attributed to a

real estate bubble and inconsistent American banking policies The crisis began in 1836 when

the Bank of the United States lost its charter this in turn allowed the nationrsquos banks to issue

private banknotes unsupported by gold or silver Shortly thereafter President Andrew Jackson

passed the Specie Circular of 1836 This executive order was a reaction to excessive land

speculation and the use of unsupported paper money printed by sundry banks to purchase land

The order only allowed the purchase of government land using gold or silver By 1837 the

banks refused to redeem banknotes effectively shutting down commerce The initial Panic of

1837 and the subsequent depression that followed lasted for six-years23

The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville weathered this national

storm for a time In an annual report for the bank published in the November 18 1837 issue of

ldquoThe Democratrdquo Bank President Bartley M Lowe wrote

23

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012 httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

10

The statement of the ldquogeneral liabilities of the Bank and means to meet themrdquo

made without reference to the periods when those liabilities become due shows a

surplus of $16434442 Taking into consideration the late derangements in the

fiscal concerns of the country from the effects of which no banking institution

has been exempt a more favorable state of things could scarcely have been

anticipated and were it proper to close this communication here the friends of

this Branch might congratulate themselves on its prosperous condition24

All of the branches of the State Bank of Alabama including the branch at Huntsville

eventually succumbed to the pressures of the Panic of 183725

By February 4 1843 an Act

passed by the General Assembly allowed for the liquidation of the Branch of the Bank of the

State of Alabama at Huntsville26

After the Branch Bank at Huntsvillersquos charter expired January

1 1844 a commission was appointed in 1846 by order of the state legislature to ldquoonly continue

in operation for the security and collection of debts due to said Branch Bank and for the

settlement and liquidation of its affairsrdquo27

The committee completed its task by 1853 and the

bank building and land was sold in October of 185428

24

BM Lowe Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat (October 31 1837 Huntsville) 1

25 Linda Bayer George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief History 1

26

CC Clay comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama (Alabama Marmaduke J Slade 1843) 43

27

Bayer 1

28 The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z (Huntsville October 14

1854) 597Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z( Huntsville October 25

1854) 596 John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed Book BB

(Huntsville July 10 1857) 218-219 The deed dated July 10 1857 between John Whiting and Stephen Ewing is a later published document of an agreement made during the original purchase of the Bank property in 1837 A deed dated March 15 1837 between Stephen Ewing and the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville states that Ewing conveyed a parcel of land located on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row to the Branch Bank for the sum of $800000 The later deed dated July 101857 states ldquoMr Ewing having determined to take the House and lot owned by the Bank and receive the $1750 in exchange for the whole of his property on the bluff according to the proposition made to him at the last meeting_ Ordered that the President make to Mr Ewing a Deed for the lot sold to him and receive from him a Deed for the property sold by him to the bankrdquo The deed then goes on to say ldquoAnd whereas the said Stephen S Ewing afterwards on the 15

th day of March 1837 delivered

to the said Branch Bank a Deed of Conveyance of that date from him and his wife duly executed and acknowledged for the said property on the bluff And whereas no deed was ever made by the President of said Branch Bank or by any other person in pursuance of said resolution to the said Branch Bankrdquo It appears from these two records that Ewing made an agreement with the State Bank to exchange the property that he owned on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row for a plot of land and building that the Bank owned plus $175000 While Ewing held up his side of the agreement by creating a deed of sale in 1837 the Bank did not complete this task until 1857 after the Bank and land sold to the Nothern Bank of Alabama

11

The Northern Bank of Alabama and the Civil War (1852-1865)

Figure 6 Union occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1862 Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison

County Public Library

The Northern Bank of Alabama finalized the purchase of the bank house and lot in

October 1854 The bank remained in the possession of the Northern Bank of Alabama for fifteen

years Like the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville the Northern Bank of

Alabama was destined to face turmoil29

On April 12th

1861 the American Civil War tore

through the country marking the beginning of a tumultuous time in Huntsville

By and large Huntsville was a divided town prior to and during the Civil War

Huntsville composed of both landed gentry and yeoman farmers supported both Confederate

and Union sympathizers Despite the rift the fate of Huntsville like many towns and cities in

the south was irrevocably impacted by the Civil War30

Union troops led by General Ormsby M Mitchel seized control of Huntsville on the

morning of April 11 1862 Troops composed of the Indiana 5th

Independent Light Artillery 37th

29

Ibid 30

Taylor M Polites The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013 httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

12

Infantry the Illinois 19th

and 24th

Infantry and the Ohio 4th

Cavalry and 18th

Infantry led a

surprise attack on the city and Huntsville yielded to the encroaching Union Army with little

opposition31

One onlooker reported ldquothe clattering noise of the cavalry aroused them from their

slumber in the dawn of the morning and they flocked to door and window exclaiming with

blanched cheek and faltering tongue lsquoThey come They come The Yankees comersquordquo32

The interest of the Union army in Huntsville centered primarily on the capture of the

Huntsville Depot which served the Memphis and Charleston Railroads This particular junction

served as a major supply artery for the Confederate army the capture of which would help to

wound the rebel forces A Nashville newspaper Daily Union further described the situation

This Memphis and Charleston road is the only connection left the rebels between

Louisiana Mississippi and all Alabama west of Pensacola and the Southern

seaboard States Troops can only be sent east from New Orleans Natchez

Vicksburg Jackson Memphis Baton Rouge or Mobile or those points from

Virginia North or South Carolina or Georgia over the Memphis and Charleston

road the only railroad line now connecting the east and west of the rebellion Let

that road be once broken and the Southern Confederacy is cut into as effectually

as if a Chinese wall were built between the Gulf and the seaboard States33

Several buildings and homes in Huntsville were occupied by the Union army and were

used primarily as headquarters and encampments During the Civil War the Northern Bank of

Alabama was used as the commissary for Union troops (See figure 12) Local lore holds that

prior to the Federal occupation of Huntsville the bankrsquos cashier Theophilus Lacy placed the

bankrsquos funds in a burlap bag which he then hid inside one of the fireplace flues behind the

tellersrsquo cage Primary source documentation to support this tale has not been located34

Huntsville because of the Union occupation during the war escaped much of the terrible

destruction inflicted on other southern towns In general the occupation of Huntsville saw little

resistance Several of the pro-Confederate inhabitants did feel the weight of the occupation

however as Mary Jane Chadick a local Huntsville resident outlines in a diary entry dated April

12 1862 ldquoTruly our town is full of the enemy There is a sentinel at every corner Everybody

keeps the front door locked and I make it a point to answer the bell myself not permitting

children or servants to open it They have been searching the houses today for armshellip Servants

31

Deborah Storey Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml (accessed June 17 2015) Alabama Civil War Battles httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26 2015) Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama

32 Martha B Gabel General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical Review

(July 1971) 16 33

Gabel 14 Victoria Cumbow Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11 2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed June 17 2015)

34 Pat Jones The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review (April-July 1975) 26-27

13

Figure 7 Union Occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1864

Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

are giving information of all the

arms and soldiers who have been

concealedrdquo35

Some reprisal from pro-

Confederate bushwhackers did

occur these attacks escalated as

the occupation went on Mitchel

had difficulty maintaining order

throughout his widely spread

troops In a wire sent to

Washington Mitchel stated

ldquoArmed citizens fire into the

trains cut the telegraph wires

attack the guards of bridges cut

off and destroy my couriers

while guerrilla bands of cavalry

attack whenever there is the

slightest chance of successrdquo36

Mitchel attempted to restore order as is revealed in an April 28

1862 diary entry by Mary Jane Chadick that states ldquoGeneral Mitchel has been in a rage all the

week on account of the cutting of the telegraph wires the tearing up of the railroad track firing

into trains and holds the citizens responsible for the same having had 12 of the most prominent

arrestedrdquo General Mitchel and other Union officers took pains to ensure that the homes and

buildings that they occupied among them the Northern Bank building remained intact Only one

building the First Methodist Church on Greene Street was lost during the occupation when it

was accidentally burned down in January 1864 37

From April 11 1862 until the Civil Warrsquos end on April 9 1865 Federal troops occupied

the City of Huntsville By the warrsquos end a semblance of peace was restored to the City as the

Union occupation was lifted

35

Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

36 Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama 37

Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

14

The National Bank of Huntsville (1866-1889)

Figure 8 Photograph of the National Bank Building at Huntsville c 1870

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Pictured in front of

the building is bank cashier Theophilus Lacy Lacy held the position of cashier

of the bank with all of the institutions that occupied it until his death in 187438

During the first year after the war the Northern Bank of Alabama posted the sale of the

bank building for $3500000 ldquoreserving to themselves [existing stockholders] the right or

privilege of such occupancy as they require to wind up the affairs of the Northern Bank of

Alabama the said amount of $35000 to be paid in greenbacksrdquo Hard times hit Huntsville for a

brief period during Reconstruction leading to the sale of the Northern Bank of Alabama A

newly chartered bank the National Bank of Huntsville offered to purchase the property for

$30000 The sum was to be paid in three installments the first payment of $10000 to be paid

up-front the second to be paid at the end of the year and the third to be paid two years after the

38

Jones 28 In meeting minutes from the National Bank of Huntsville dated February 4 1874 members noted ldquoSince the last meeting of the board Theophilus Lacy the beloved and worthy cashier of the National Bank of Huntsville died at his residence within these walls on Tuesday night February 10 1874 at the age of 70 years one month 10 days It were vain to attempt to impress in mere words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt grief of each member of this board occasioned by the death of a brother who was a gentle as a little child yet as firm as the solid mountains who was so pure in heart so right-minded in all things so patient and of such lofty rectitudehellip It is becoming to say that his accounts were kept in order and as in this world the balance was always on the right side His survivors have the full assurance that when he is weighed in the scales of eternal justice he will receive the just and righteous manrsquos rewardhelliprdquo

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

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httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 4: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

4

Property for the construction of the new Branch Bank building was purchased from four

separate property owners between March and December of 1837 The dates of purchase are as

follows

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to the Branch of the Bank of the State

of Alabama at Huntsville two hundred and eighty eight square yards for the sum

of $200000 on March 3 18378

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to the Branch of the Bank of the State

of Alabama at Huntsville three ldquocertain lots pieces or parcels of groundrdquo for the

sum of $800000 on March 15 18379

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State

of Alabama at Huntsville a parcel of ground for the sum of $40000 on March 24

183710

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville a certain lot of land for the sum of $200000 on December

4 183711

Primary documentation covering the construction of the bank is fragmented making the

exact details unclear Future examination of records at the Alabama Department of Archives and

History may shed more light on the date of construction and the early years of the bank building

According to William H Brantleyrsquos book Banking in Alabama 1816-1860 ldquothe only original

record available which gives any detail of the construction of the bank house is an old book the

property of Samuel Chapman Lacyrdquo12

The last know owner of the said Lacy book was Maud

McClure Kelly13

A cursory study shows that Maud McClure Kelly was Evelyn Letitia Lacy

Kellyrsquos (Samuel Chapman Lacyrsquos daughter) sister-in-law Maud likely acquired the book from

Evelyn

8 Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville

Deed Book Q (Huntsville March 3 1837) 424

9 Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q (Huntsville March 15 1837) 436

10 Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q (Huntsville March 24 1837) 437

11 Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q (Huntsville December 4 1837) 466

12 Brantley 377

13

Brantley 477

5

Efforts to locate the account book have been

unfruitful to date14

According to Brantley the earliest entry

in the Lacy book is a payment made to G amp G

W Steele on July 8 1837 for vault doors

Several entries of payments made to Steele

spanning the years of 1837-1840 highlight the

progress being made on the bankrsquos construction

A receipt entry dated September 14 1840 for the

amount of $106380 was made out to the Steele

brothers ldquoin full of all demands for building the

Bank Houserdquo15

According to Brantley the final

entry in the book reads ldquoby amount of your bill

for building the Banking House as settled by the

Board receipted and filedhellip$3414133rdquo16

Figure 3 Maude McClure Kelly Image courtesy

of Ancestrycom

Architect George Steele-

Considered to be the premiere antebellum architect for the city of Huntsville George

Gilliam Steele was born on April 1 1798 to George and Sally Gilliam Steele in Bedford County

Virginia Steelersquos early life remains largely shrouded and there are no known records that Steele

received any formal architectural training according to his obituary he was self-taught17

Steele

14

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t66885873_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015) Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordamptid=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015) Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birmingham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst (accessed May 07 2015)

15

Brantley 377 16

Ibid 17

Linda Bayer George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation (Spring 1979) 4 F Charles Vaughn Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no 1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-13 Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

6

came to Huntsville from Virginia around 1818 and soon

after began work as a brick-builder In December 1823

Steele married Eliza Ann Weaver (1808-1891)18

The two

had eight children Matthew W Steele (1824-1907) John

F Steele (1826-1903) George G Steele (1828-1859)

Sallie Fleming Steele (1829-1891) Mary Eliza Steele

(1832-1834) Ellen Elizabeth Steele (1832-1834) William

Angelo Steele (1836-1912) and Susan Eliza Steele (1839-

1913)19

Steele continued to expand his professional

repertoire to include architectural design One of his first

designs was a house he built for himself in 1824 located

at 519 Randolph Avenue Steele is also credited with the

design of the Feeney House (414 Randolph Avenue) the

Yeatman House (528 Adams Street) the Cox House (311

Lincoln Street) the Cabaniss House (603 Randolph

Avenue) the second Madison County Courthouse (no

longer extant) Mary Bibbrsquos Mausoleum (Maple Hill

Cemetery) Oak Place (808 Maysville Road) Pope

Mansion (403 Echols Avenue) the old Episcopal

binssedlldb=WebSearch-4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

18

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p195656965_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

19 Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Figure 4 George Gilliam Steele picture

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County

Public Library

7

Church of the Nativity on the corner of Eustis and Greene (no longer extant) the Fearn House

(517 Franklin Avenue) the Figures House (423 Randolph Avenue) the Presidentrsquos House (413

Randolph Avenue) Huntsville Female College (no longer extant) and Huntsville Female

Seminary School (no longer extant) George Steele died on October 21 1855 and was buried in

Maple Hill Cemetery20

His obituary in the ldquoSouthern Advocaterdquo read

Capt George Steele was born in Virginia in Bedford County on the ___

He resided up to his death the 21st inst in his 58

th year It is not the language of

the idle panegyric to say that George Steele was a man of marked individuality ndash

of positive characteristics and of impressive being There was nothing passive

doubtful or unreliable about him He was open and bold in expression and

prompt and energetic in action ndash Upon all questions affecting private or public

W__ [well] he had an opinion and could be placed by the most casual observer

He was loyal and sure() to those who loved him abt() but to those men

who sought him sweet as summer He was a warm and confiding friend never

forgetting a favor or a kindness and ready to spend and be spent aid of those who

survived his confidence

Capt Steelersquos life was an active one He grappled with the stern realities of

existence at the very threshold of manhood Without the adventurous and _____

way through all obstacles and over powerful opposition He was

self-educated ndash physically mechanically mentally artistically Of an iron will

indomitable energy and keen sagacity he met difficulties but overcame them and

kept straight on in the goal of merited success He was eminently a practical man-

a cultivated Mechanic ndash a Master builder ndash an accomplished Architect He had

not only learnt the drudgery of this profession but even passed beyond and

became an undertaker a designer a creator His judgment his taste his artistic

skill have become institutional They are seen open to the light of day manifest

the most obtuse in the Public Buildings in Huntsville ndash the Bank Court House

Blossom Institute Female Seminary Episcopal and Cumberland Churches many

of the residences in town and his own beautiful and tastefully adorned mansion

Huntsville is noted abroad for its improvements and public buildings To no one

so much as George Steele is the town indebted for its reputation His advice his

taste his hand are visible everywhere and for the better too He looked not only

to the present but to the future in all that he advised planned or executed and

Huntsville will long have cause to be grateful to his memory

Capt Steele was of a warm generous impulsive nature He was not free of

faults who that is mortal is But they were mere specks in the pure gold of his

character ndash ldquoHis faults lie gently on himrdquo Menrsquos virtues we would have live in

brass and their evil manners write in water His public character is known and

appreciated in this community where he lived moved and had his being so long

as usefully ndash as just ___and liberal in his dealings

20

Bayer 5-21

8

It was at home that George Steele also lived to benefit others There he lavished

his kindness and provided care over all dependent on him A kind husband an

indulgent yet not foolish father and a good master was the center of his family ndash

spared no pains apart and no expense in whatever ministered to their welfare

comfort or happiness Knowing the advantages of education by the lack of them

in his youth all his children were trained in the path of knowledge at the best

institutions He labored upwards to improve to elevate to educate the hand the

heart the mind the manners

His life was a successful one ndash a boisterous backward unpromising Spring ndash a

g___ grieving warm Summer an abundant yet short Autumn his demise sunk

into his ___ and his untimely ___ cut him off ___ was Winter with him And that

was mortal of him ___ gone from us ndash ldquolarge was his bounty and his soul

sincererdquo Let us imitate him in all the great good in his character which we are

still ___ and with a knowledge that we too are mortal and erring creatures21

Steele has long been attributed to the design of the Branch Bank building but is not the

only person to leave his mark on the structure According to the Lacy account book the building

was built with the help of several local subcontractors carpenters and masons including James

M Venable who ldquocovered the bank with sundry coppersrdquo Hugh N Moore who completed the

carpentry work William Hale who completed the painting Edward T and R Parker who

ldquoprovided the iron railings and installed them Thomas and William Brandon who completed the

stone and brick work Justin Dyer who was a subcontractor for the Brandon brothers and

Frederick Elgin who completed the stucco work for the slave quarters22

21 Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=WebSearch-4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

22

Brantley 377-378

9

The Panic of 1837

Figure 5 Political Cartoon by HR Robinson depicting the Panic of 1837 Print courtesy of the Library of

Congressrsquo Prints amp Photographs Catalog

Shortly after construction on the Branch Bank began the country experienced a large

scale panic known widely as the Panic of 1837 The Panic of 1837 has long been attributed to a

real estate bubble and inconsistent American banking policies The crisis began in 1836 when

the Bank of the United States lost its charter this in turn allowed the nationrsquos banks to issue

private banknotes unsupported by gold or silver Shortly thereafter President Andrew Jackson

passed the Specie Circular of 1836 This executive order was a reaction to excessive land

speculation and the use of unsupported paper money printed by sundry banks to purchase land

The order only allowed the purchase of government land using gold or silver By 1837 the

banks refused to redeem banknotes effectively shutting down commerce The initial Panic of

1837 and the subsequent depression that followed lasted for six-years23

The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville weathered this national

storm for a time In an annual report for the bank published in the November 18 1837 issue of

ldquoThe Democratrdquo Bank President Bartley M Lowe wrote

23

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012 httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

10

The statement of the ldquogeneral liabilities of the Bank and means to meet themrdquo

made without reference to the periods when those liabilities become due shows a

surplus of $16434442 Taking into consideration the late derangements in the

fiscal concerns of the country from the effects of which no banking institution

has been exempt a more favorable state of things could scarcely have been

anticipated and were it proper to close this communication here the friends of

this Branch might congratulate themselves on its prosperous condition24

All of the branches of the State Bank of Alabama including the branch at Huntsville

eventually succumbed to the pressures of the Panic of 183725

By February 4 1843 an Act

passed by the General Assembly allowed for the liquidation of the Branch of the Bank of the

State of Alabama at Huntsville26

After the Branch Bank at Huntsvillersquos charter expired January

1 1844 a commission was appointed in 1846 by order of the state legislature to ldquoonly continue

in operation for the security and collection of debts due to said Branch Bank and for the

settlement and liquidation of its affairsrdquo27

The committee completed its task by 1853 and the

bank building and land was sold in October of 185428

24

BM Lowe Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat (October 31 1837 Huntsville) 1

25 Linda Bayer George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief History 1

26

CC Clay comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama (Alabama Marmaduke J Slade 1843) 43

27

Bayer 1

28 The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z (Huntsville October 14

1854) 597Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z( Huntsville October 25

1854) 596 John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed Book BB

(Huntsville July 10 1857) 218-219 The deed dated July 10 1857 between John Whiting and Stephen Ewing is a later published document of an agreement made during the original purchase of the Bank property in 1837 A deed dated March 15 1837 between Stephen Ewing and the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville states that Ewing conveyed a parcel of land located on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row to the Branch Bank for the sum of $800000 The later deed dated July 101857 states ldquoMr Ewing having determined to take the House and lot owned by the Bank and receive the $1750 in exchange for the whole of his property on the bluff according to the proposition made to him at the last meeting_ Ordered that the President make to Mr Ewing a Deed for the lot sold to him and receive from him a Deed for the property sold by him to the bankrdquo The deed then goes on to say ldquoAnd whereas the said Stephen S Ewing afterwards on the 15

th day of March 1837 delivered

to the said Branch Bank a Deed of Conveyance of that date from him and his wife duly executed and acknowledged for the said property on the bluff And whereas no deed was ever made by the President of said Branch Bank or by any other person in pursuance of said resolution to the said Branch Bankrdquo It appears from these two records that Ewing made an agreement with the State Bank to exchange the property that he owned on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row for a plot of land and building that the Bank owned plus $175000 While Ewing held up his side of the agreement by creating a deed of sale in 1837 the Bank did not complete this task until 1857 after the Bank and land sold to the Nothern Bank of Alabama

11

The Northern Bank of Alabama and the Civil War (1852-1865)

Figure 6 Union occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1862 Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison

County Public Library

The Northern Bank of Alabama finalized the purchase of the bank house and lot in

October 1854 The bank remained in the possession of the Northern Bank of Alabama for fifteen

years Like the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville the Northern Bank of

Alabama was destined to face turmoil29

On April 12th

1861 the American Civil War tore

through the country marking the beginning of a tumultuous time in Huntsville

By and large Huntsville was a divided town prior to and during the Civil War

Huntsville composed of both landed gentry and yeoman farmers supported both Confederate

and Union sympathizers Despite the rift the fate of Huntsville like many towns and cities in

the south was irrevocably impacted by the Civil War30

Union troops led by General Ormsby M Mitchel seized control of Huntsville on the

morning of April 11 1862 Troops composed of the Indiana 5th

Independent Light Artillery 37th

29

Ibid 30

Taylor M Polites The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013 httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

12

Infantry the Illinois 19th

and 24th

Infantry and the Ohio 4th

Cavalry and 18th

Infantry led a

surprise attack on the city and Huntsville yielded to the encroaching Union Army with little

opposition31

One onlooker reported ldquothe clattering noise of the cavalry aroused them from their

slumber in the dawn of the morning and they flocked to door and window exclaiming with

blanched cheek and faltering tongue lsquoThey come They come The Yankees comersquordquo32

The interest of the Union army in Huntsville centered primarily on the capture of the

Huntsville Depot which served the Memphis and Charleston Railroads This particular junction

served as a major supply artery for the Confederate army the capture of which would help to

wound the rebel forces A Nashville newspaper Daily Union further described the situation

This Memphis and Charleston road is the only connection left the rebels between

Louisiana Mississippi and all Alabama west of Pensacola and the Southern

seaboard States Troops can only be sent east from New Orleans Natchez

Vicksburg Jackson Memphis Baton Rouge or Mobile or those points from

Virginia North or South Carolina or Georgia over the Memphis and Charleston

road the only railroad line now connecting the east and west of the rebellion Let

that road be once broken and the Southern Confederacy is cut into as effectually

as if a Chinese wall were built between the Gulf and the seaboard States33

Several buildings and homes in Huntsville were occupied by the Union army and were

used primarily as headquarters and encampments During the Civil War the Northern Bank of

Alabama was used as the commissary for Union troops (See figure 12) Local lore holds that

prior to the Federal occupation of Huntsville the bankrsquos cashier Theophilus Lacy placed the

bankrsquos funds in a burlap bag which he then hid inside one of the fireplace flues behind the

tellersrsquo cage Primary source documentation to support this tale has not been located34

Huntsville because of the Union occupation during the war escaped much of the terrible

destruction inflicted on other southern towns In general the occupation of Huntsville saw little

resistance Several of the pro-Confederate inhabitants did feel the weight of the occupation

however as Mary Jane Chadick a local Huntsville resident outlines in a diary entry dated April

12 1862 ldquoTruly our town is full of the enemy There is a sentinel at every corner Everybody

keeps the front door locked and I make it a point to answer the bell myself not permitting

children or servants to open it They have been searching the houses today for armshellip Servants

31

Deborah Storey Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml (accessed June 17 2015) Alabama Civil War Battles httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26 2015) Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama

32 Martha B Gabel General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical Review

(July 1971) 16 33

Gabel 14 Victoria Cumbow Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11 2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed June 17 2015)

34 Pat Jones The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review (April-July 1975) 26-27

13

Figure 7 Union Occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1864

Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

are giving information of all the

arms and soldiers who have been

concealedrdquo35

Some reprisal from pro-

Confederate bushwhackers did

occur these attacks escalated as

the occupation went on Mitchel

had difficulty maintaining order

throughout his widely spread

troops In a wire sent to

Washington Mitchel stated

ldquoArmed citizens fire into the

trains cut the telegraph wires

attack the guards of bridges cut

off and destroy my couriers

while guerrilla bands of cavalry

attack whenever there is the

slightest chance of successrdquo36

Mitchel attempted to restore order as is revealed in an April 28

1862 diary entry by Mary Jane Chadick that states ldquoGeneral Mitchel has been in a rage all the

week on account of the cutting of the telegraph wires the tearing up of the railroad track firing

into trains and holds the citizens responsible for the same having had 12 of the most prominent

arrestedrdquo General Mitchel and other Union officers took pains to ensure that the homes and

buildings that they occupied among them the Northern Bank building remained intact Only one

building the First Methodist Church on Greene Street was lost during the occupation when it

was accidentally burned down in January 1864 37

From April 11 1862 until the Civil Warrsquos end on April 9 1865 Federal troops occupied

the City of Huntsville By the warrsquos end a semblance of peace was restored to the City as the

Union occupation was lifted

35

Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

36 Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama 37

Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

14

The National Bank of Huntsville (1866-1889)

Figure 8 Photograph of the National Bank Building at Huntsville c 1870

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Pictured in front of

the building is bank cashier Theophilus Lacy Lacy held the position of cashier

of the bank with all of the institutions that occupied it until his death in 187438

During the first year after the war the Northern Bank of Alabama posted the sale of the

bank building for $3500000 ldquoreserving to themselves [existing stockholders] the right or

privilege of such occupancy as they require to wind up the affairs of the Northern Bank of

Alabama the said amount of $35000 to be paid in greenbacksrdquo Hard times hit Huntsville for a

brief period during Reconstruction leading to the sale of the Northern Bank of Alabama A

newly chartered bank the National Bank of Huntsville offered to purchase the property for

$30000 The sum was to be paid in three installments the first payment of $10000 to be paid

up-front the second to be paid at the end of the year and the third to be paid two years after the

38

Jones 28 In meeting minutes from the National Bank of Huntsville dated February 4 1874 members noted ldquoSince the last meeting of the board Theophilus Lacy the beloved and worthy cashier of the National Bank of Huntsville died at his residence within these walls on Tuesday night February 10 1874 at the age of 70 years one month 10 days It were vain to attempt to impress in mere words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt grief of each member of this board occasioned by the death of a brother who was a gentle as a little child yet as firm as the solid mountains who was so pure in heart so right-minded in all things so patient and of such lofty rectitudehellip It is becoming to say that his accounts were kept in order and as in this world the balance was always on the right side His survivors have the full assurance that when he is weighed in the scales of eternal justice he will receive the just and righteous manrsquos rewardhelliprdquo

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 5: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

5

Efforts to locate the account book have been

unfruitful to date14

According to Brantley the earliest entry

in the Lacy book is a payment made to G amp G

W Steele on July 8 1837 for vault doors

Several entries of payments made to Steele

spanning the years of 1837-1840 highlight the

progress being made on the bankrsquos construction

A receipt entry dated September 14 1840 for the

amount of $106380 was made out to the Steele

brothers ldquoin full of all demands for building the

Bank Houserdquo15

According to Brantley the final

entry in the book reads ldquoby amount of your bill

for building the Banking House as settled by the

Board receipted and filedhellip$3414133rdquo16

Figure 3 Maude McClure Kelly Image courtesy

of Ancestrycom

Architect George Steele-

Considered to be the premiere antebellum architect for the city of Huntsville George

Gilliam Steele was born on April 1 1798 to George and Sally Gilliam Steele in Bedford County

Virginia Steelersquos early life remains largely shrouded and there are no known records that Steele

received any formal architectural training according to his obituary he was self-taught17

Steele

14

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t66885873_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015) Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordamptid=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015) Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birmingham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst (accessed May 07 2015)

15

Brantley 377 16

Ibid 17

Linda Bayer George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation (Spring 1979) 4 F Charles Vaughn Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no 1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-13 Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

6

came to Huntsville from Virginia around 1818 and soon

after began work as a brick-builder In December 1823

Steele married Eliza Ann Weaver (1808-1891)18

The two

had eight children Matthew W Steele (1824-1907) John

F Steele (1826-1903) George G Steele (1828-1859)

Sallie Fleming Steele (1829-1891) Mary Eliza Steele

(1832-1834) Ellen Elizabeth Steele (1832-1834) William

Angelo Steele (1836-1912) and Susan Eliza Steele (1839-

1913)19

Steele continued to expand his professional

repertoire to include architectural design One of his first

designs was a house he built for himself in 1824 located

at 519 Randolph Avenue Steele is also credited with the

design of the Feeney House (414 Randolph Avenue) the

Yeatman House (528 Adams Street) the Cox House (311

Lincoln Street) the Cabaniss House (603 Randolph

Avenue) the second Madison County Courthouse (no

longer extant) Mary Bibbrsquos Mausoleum (Maple Hill

Cemetery) Oak Place (808 Maysville Road) Pope

Mansion (403 Echols Avenue) the old Episcopal

binssedlldb=WebSearch-4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

18

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p195656965_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

19 Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Figure 4 George Gilliam Steele picture

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County

Public Library

7

Church of the Nativity on the corner of Eustis and Greene (no longer extant) the Fearn House

(517 Franklin Avenue) the Figures House (423 Randolph Avenue) the Presidentrsquos House (413

Randolph Avenue) Huntsville Female College (no longer extant) and Huntsville Female

Seminary School (no longer extant) George Steele died on October 21 1855 and was buried in

Maple Hill Cemetery20

His obituary in the ldquoSouthern Advocaterdquo read

Capt George Steele was born in Virginia in Bedford County on the ___

He resided up to his death the 21st inst in his 58

th year It is not the language of

the idle panegyric to say that George Steele was a man of marked individuality ndash

of positive characteristics and of impressive being There was nothing passive

doubtful or unreliable about him He was open and bold in expression and

prompt and energetic in action ndash Upon all questions affecting private or public

W__ [well] he had an opinion and could be placed by the most casual observer

He was loyal and sure() to those who loved him abt() but to those men

who sought him sweet as summer He was a warm and confiding friend never

forgetting a favor or a kindness and ready to spend and be spent aid of those who

survived his confidence

Capt Steelersquos life was an active one He grappled with the stern realities of

existence at the very threshold of manhood Without the adventurous and _____

way through all obstacles and over powerful opposition He was

self-educated ndash physically mechanically mentally artistically Of an iron will

indomitable energy and keen sagacity he met difficulties but overcame them and

kept straight on in the goal of merited success He was eminently a practical man-

a cultivated Mechanic ndash a Master builder ndash an accomplished Architect He had

not only learnt the drudgery of this profession but even passed beyond and

became an undertaker a designer a creator His judgment his taste his artistic

skill have become institutional They are seen open to the light of day manifest

the most obtuse in the Public Buildings in Huntsville ndash the Bank Court House

Blossom Institute Female Seminary Episcopal and Cumberland Churches many

of the residences in town and his own beautiful and tastefully adorned mansion

Huntsville is noted abroad for its improvements and public buildings To no one

so much as George Steele is the town indebted for its reputation His advice his

taste his hand are visible everywhere and for the better too He looked not only

to the present but to the future in all that he advised planned or executed and

Huntsville will long have cause to be grateful to his memory

Capt Steele was of a warm generous impulsive nature He was not free of

faults who that is mortal is But they were mere specks in the pure gold of his

character ndash ldquoHis faults lie gently on himrdquo Menrsquos virtues we would have live in

brass and their evil manners write in water His public character is known and

appreciated in this community where he lived moved and had his being so long

as usefully ndash as just ___and liberal in his dealings

20

Bayer 5-21

8

It was at home that George Steele also lived to benefit others There he lavished

his kindness and provided care over all dependent on him A kind husband an

indulgent yet not foolish father and a good master was the center of his family ndash

spared no pains apart and no expense in whatever ministered to their welfare

comfort or happiness Knowing the advantages of education by the lack of them

in his youth all his children were trained in the path of knowledge at the best

institutions He labored upwards to improve to elevate to educate the hand the

heart the mind the manners

His life was a successful one ndash a boisterous backward unpromising Spring ndash a

g___ grieving warm Summer an abundant yet short Autumn his demise sunk

into his ___ and his untimely ___ cut him off ___ was Winter with him And that

was mortal of him ___ gone from us ndash ldquolarge was his bounty and his soul

sincererdquo Let us imitate him in all the great good in his character which we are

still ___ and with a knowledge that we too are mortal and erring creatures21

Steele has long been attributed to the design of the Branch Bank building but is not the

only person to leave his mark on the structure According to the Lacy account book the building

was built with the help of several local subcontractors carpenters and masons including James

M Venable who ldquocovered the bank with sundry coppersrdquo Hugh N Moore who completed the

carpentry work William Hale who completed the painting Edward T and R Parker who

ldquoprovided the iron railings and installed them Thomas and William Brandon who completed the

stone and brick work Justin Dyer who was a subcontractor for the Brandon brothers and

Frederick Elgin who completed the stucco work for the slave quarters22

21 Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=WebSearch-4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

22

Brantley 377-378

9

The Panic of 1837

Figure 5 Political Cartoon by HR Robinson depicting the Panic of 1837 Print courtesy of the Library of

Congressrsquo Prints amp Photographs Catalog

Shortly after construction on the Branch Bank began the country experienced a large

scale panic known widely as the Panic of 1837 The Panic of 1837 has long been attributed to a

real estate bubble and inconsistent American banking policies The crisis began in 1836 when

the Bank of the United States lost its charter this in turn allowed the nationrsquos banks to issue

private banknotes unsupported by gold or silver Shortly thereafter President Andrew Jackson

passed the Specie Circular of 1836 This executive order was a reaction to excessive land

speculation and the use of unsupported paper money printed by sundry banks to purchase land

The order only allowed the purchase of government land using gold or silver By 1837 the

banks refused to redeem banknotes effectively shutting down commerce The initial Panic of

1837 and the subsequent depression that followed lasted for six-years23

The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville weathered this national

storm for a time In an annual report for the bank published in the November 18 1837 issue of

ldquoThe Democratrdquo Bank President Bartley M Lowe wrote

23

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012 httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

10

The statement of the ldquogeneral liabilities of the Bank and means to meet themrdquo

made without reference to the periods when those liabilities become due shows a

surplus of $16434442 Taking into consideration the late derangements in the

fiscal concerns of the country from the effects of which no banking institution

has been exempt a more favorable state of things could scarcely have been

anticipated and were it proper to close this communication here the friends of

this Branch might congratulate themselves on its prosperous condition24

All of the branches of the State Bank of Alabama including the branch at Huntsville

eventually succumbed to the pressures of the Panic of 183725

By February 4 1843 an Act

passed by the General Assembly allowed for the liquidation of the Branch of the Bank of the

State of Alabama at Huntsville26

After the Branch Bank at Huntsvillersquos charter expired January

1 1844 a commission was appointed in 1846 by order of the state legislature to ldquoonly continue

in operation for the security and collection of debts due to said Branch Bank and for the

settlement and liquidation of its affairsrdquo27

The committee completed its task by 1853 and the

bank building and land was sold in October of 185428

24

BM Lowe Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat (October 31 1837 Huntsville) 1

25 Linda Bayer George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief History 1

26

CC Clay comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama (Alabama Marmaduke J Slade 1843) 43

27

Bayer 1

28 The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z (Huntsville October 14

1854) 597Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z( Huntsville October 25

1854) 596 John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed Book BB

(Huntsville July 10 1857) 218-219 The deed dated July 10 1857 between John Whiting and Stephen Ewing is a later published document of an agreement made during the original purchase of the Bank property in 1837 A deed dated March 15 1837 between Stephen Ewing and the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville states that Ewing conveyed a parcel of land located on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row to the Branch Bank for the sum of $800000 The later deed dated July 101857 states ldquoMr Ewing having determined to take the House and lot owned by the Bank and receive the $1750 in exchange for the whole of his property on the bluff according to the proposition made to him at the last meeting_ Ordered that the President make to Mr Ewing a Deed for the lot sold to him and receive from him a Deed for the property sold by him to the bankrdquo The deed then goes on to say ldquoAnd whereas the said Stephen S Ewing afterwards on the 15

th day of March 1837 delivered

to the said Branch Bank a Deed of Conveyance of that date from him and his wife duly executed and acknowledged for the said property on the bluff And whereas no deed was ever made by the President of said Branch Bank or by any other person in pursuance of said resolution to the said Branch Bankrdquo It appears from these two records that Ewing made an agreement with the State Bank to exchange the property that he owned on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row for a plot of land and building that the Bank owned plus $175000 While Ewing held up his side of the agreement by creating a deed of sale in 1837 the Bank did not complete this task until 1857 after the Bank and land sold to the Nothern Bank of Alabama

11

The Northern Bank of Alabama and the Civil War (1852-1865)

Figure 6 Union occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1862 Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison

County Public Library

The Northern Bank of Alabama finalized the purchase of the bank house and lot in

October 1854 The bank remained in the possession of the Northern Bank of Alabama for fifteen

years Like the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville the Northern Bank of

Alabama was destined to face turmoil29

On April 12th

1861 the American Civil War tore

through the country marking the beginning of a tumultuous time in Huntsville

By and large Huntsville was a divided town prior to and during the Civil War

Huntsville composed of both landed gentry and yeoman farmers supported both Confederate

and Union sympathizers Despite the rift the fate of Huntsville like many towns and cities in

the south was irrevocably impacted by the Civil War30

Union troops led by General Ormsby M Mitchel seized control of Huntsville on the

morning of April 11 1862 Troops composed of the Indiana 5th

Independent Light Artillery 37th

29

Ibid 30

Taylor M Polites The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013 httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

12

Infantry the Illinois 19th

and 24th

Infantry and the Ohio 4th

Cavalry and 18th

Infantry led a

surprise attack on the city and Huntsville yielded to the encroaching Union Army with little

opposition31

One onlooker reported ldquothe clattering noise of the cavalry aroused them from their

slumber in the dawn of the morning and they flocked to door and window exclaiming with

blanched cheek and faltering tongue lsquoThey come They come The Yankees comersquordquo32

The interest of the Union army in Huntsville centered primarily on the capture of the

Huntsville Depot which served the Memphis and Charleston Railroads This particular junction

served as a major supply artery for the Confederate army the capture of which would help to

wound the rebel forces A Nashville newspaper Daily Union further described the situation

This Memphis and Charleston road is the only connection left the rebels between

Louisiana Mississippi and all Alabama west of Pensacola and the Southern

seaboard States Troops can only be sent east from New Orleans Natchez

Vicksburg Jackson Memphis Baton Rouge or Mobile or those points from

Virginia North or South Carolina or Georgia over the Memphis and Charleston

road the only railroad line now connecting the east and west of the rebellion Let

that road be once broken and the Southern Confederacy is cut into as effectually

as if a Chinese wall were built between the Gulf and the seaboard States33

Several buildings and homes in Huntsville were occupied by the Union army and were

used primarily as headquarters and encampments During the Civil War the Northern Bank of

Alabama was used as the commissary for Union troops (See figure 12) Local lore holds that

prior to the Federal occupation of Huntsville the bankrsquos cashier Theophilus Lacy placed the

bankrsquos funds in a burlap bag which he then hid inside one of the fireplace flues behind the

tellersrsquo cage Primary source documentation to support this tale has not been located34

Huntsville because of the Union occupation during the war escaped much of the terrible

destruction inflicted on other southern towns In general the occupation of Huntsville saw little

resistance Several of the pro-Confederate inhabitants did feel the weight of the occupation

however as Mary Jane Chadick a local Huntsville resident outlines in a diary entry dated April

12 1862 ldquoTruly our town is full of the enemy There is a sentinel at every corner Everybody

keeps the front door locked and I make it a point to answer the bell myself not permitting

children or servants to open it They have been searching the houses today for armshellip Servants

31

Deborah Storey Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml (accessed June 17 2015) Alabama Civil War Battles httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26 2015) Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama

32 Martha B Gabel General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical Review

(July 1971) 16 33

Gabel 14 Victoria Cumbow Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11 2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed June 17 2015)

34 Pat Jones The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review (April-July 1975) 26-27

13

Figure 7 Union Occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1864

Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

are giving information of all the

arms and soldiers who have been

concealedrdquo35

Some reprisal from pro-

Confederate bushwhackers did

occur these attacks escalated as

the occupation went on Mitchel

had difficulty maintaining order

throughout his widely spread

troops In a wire sent to

Washington Mitchel stated

ldquoArmed citizens fire into the

trains cut the telegraph wires

attack the guards of bridges cut

off and destroy my couriers

while guerrilla bands of cavalry

attack whenever there is the

slightest chance of successrdquo36

Mitchel attempted to restore order as is revealed in an April 28

1862 diary entry by Mary Jane Chadick that states ldquoGeneral Mitchel has been in a rage all the

week on account of the cutting of the telegraph wires the tearing up of the railroad track firing

into trains and holds the citizens responsible for the same having had 12 of the most prominent

arrestedrdquo General Mitchel and other Union officers took pains to ensure that the homes and

buildings that they occupied among them the Northern Bank building remained intact Only one

building the First Methodist Church on Greene Street was lost during the occupation when it

was accidentally burned down in January 1864 37

From April 11 1862 until the Civil Warrsquos end on April 9 1865 Federal troops occupied

the City of Huntsville By the warrsquos end a semblance of peace was restored to the City as the

Union occupation was lifted

35

Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

36 Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama 37

Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

14

The National Bank of Huntsville (1866-1889)

Figure 8 Photograph of the National Bank Building at Huntsville c 1870

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Pictured in front of

the building is bank cashier Theophilus Lacy Lacy held the position of cashier

of the bank with all of the institutions that occupied it until his death in 187438

During the first year after the war the Northern Bank of Alabama posted the sale of the

bank building for $3500000 ldquoreserving to themselves [existing stockholders] the right or

privilege of such occupancy as they require to wind up the affairs of the Northern Bank of

Alabama the said amount of $35000 to be paid in greenbacksrdquo Hard times hit Huntsville for a

brief period during Reconstruction leading to the sale of the Northern Bank of Alabama A

newly chartered bank the National Bank of Huntsville offered to purchase the property for

$30000 The sum was to be paid in three installments the first payment of $10000 to be paid

up-front the second to be paid at the end of the year and the third to be paid two years after the

38

Jones 28 In meeting minutes from the National Bank of Huntsville dated February 4 1874 members noted ldquoSince the last meeting of the board Theophilus Lacy the beloved and worthy cashier of the National Bank of Huntsville died at his residence within these walls on Tuesday night February 10 1874 at the age of 70 years one month 10 days It were vain to attempt to impress in mere words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt grief of each member of this board occasioned by the death of a brother who was a gentle as a little child yet as firm as the solid mountains who was so pure in heart so right-minded in all things so patient and of such lofty rectitudehellip It is becoming to say that his accounts were kept in order and as in this world the balance was always on the right side His survivors have the full assurance that when he is weighed in the scales of eternal justice he will receive the just and righteous manrsquos rewardhelliprdquo

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 6: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

6

came to Huntsville from Virginia around 1818 and soon

after began work as a brick-builder In December 1823

Steele married Eliza Ann Weaver (1808-1891)18

The two

had eight children Matthew W Steele (1824-1907) John

F Steele (1826-1903) George G Steele (1828-1859)

Sallie Fleming Steele (1829-1891) Mary Eliza Steele

(1832-1834) Ellen Elizabeth Steele (1832-1834) William

Angelo Steele (1836-1912) and Susan Eliza Steele (1839-

1913)19

Steele continued to expand his professional

repertoire to include architectural design One of his first

designs was a house he built for himself in 1824 located

at 519 Randolph Avenue Steele is also credited with the

design of the Feeney House (414 Randolph Avenue) the

Yeatman House (528 Adams Street) the Cox House (311

Lincoln Street) the Cabaniss House (603 Randolph

Avenue) the second Madison County Courthouse (no

longer extant) Mary Bibbrsquos Mausoleum (Maple Hill

Cemetery) Oak Place (808 Maysville Road) Pope

Mansion (403 Echols Avenue) the old Episcopal

binssedlldb=WebSearch-4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

18

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p195656965_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

19 Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015) Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Figure 4 George Gilliam Steele picture

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County

Public Library

7

Church of the Nativity on the corner of Eustis and Greene (no longer extant) the Fearn House

(517 Franklin Avenue) the Figures House (423 Randolph Avenue) the Presidentrsquos House (413

Randolph Avenue) Huntsville Female College (no longer extant) and Huntsville Female

Seminary School (no longer extant) George Steele died on October 21 1855 and was buried in

Maple Hill Cemetery20

His obituary in the ldquoSouthern Advocaterdquo read

Capt George Steele was born in Virginia in Bedford County on the ___

He resided up to his death the 21st inst in his 58

th year It is not the language of

the idle panegyric to say that George Steele was a man of marked individuality ndash

of positive characteristics and of impressive being There was nothing passive

doubtful or unreliable about him He was open and bold in expression and

prompt and energetic in action ndash Upon all questions affecting private or public

W__ [well] he had an opinion and could be placed by the most casual observer

He was loyal and sure() to those who loved him abt() but to those men

who sought him sweet as summer He was a warm and confiding friend never

forgetting a favor or a kindness and ready to spend and be spent aid of those who

survived his confidence

Capt Steelersquos life was an active one He grappled with the stern realities of

existence at the very threshold of manhood Without the adventurous and _____

way through all obstacles and over powerful opposition He was

self-educated ndash physically mechanically mentally artistically Of an iron will

indomitable energy and keen sagacity he met difficulties but overcame them and

kept straight on in the goal of merited success He was eminently a practical man-

a cultivated Mechanic ndash a Master builder ndash an accomplished Architect He had

not only learnt the drudgery of this profession but even passed beyond and

became an undertaker a designer a creator His judgment his taste his artistic

skill have become institutional They are seen open to the light of day manifest

the most obtuse in the Public Buildings in Huntsville ndash the Bank Court House

Blossom Institute Female Seminary Episcopal and Cumberland Churches many

of the residences in town and his own beautiful and tastefully adorned mansion

Huntsville is noted abroad for its improvements and public buildings To no one

so much as George Steele is the town indebted for its reputation His advice his

taste his hand are visible everywhere and for the better too He looked not only

to the present but to the future in all that he advised planned or executed and

Huntsville will long have cause to be grateful to his memory

Capt Steele was of a warm generous impulsive nature He was not free of

faults who that is mortal is But they were mere specks in the pure gold of his

character ndash ldquoHis faults lie gently on himrdquo Menrsquos virtues we would have live in

brass and their evil manners write in water His public character is known and

appreciated in this community where he lived moved and had his being so long

as usefully ndash as just ___and liberal in his dealings

20

Bayer 5-21

8

It was at home that George Steele also lived to benefit others There he lavished

his kindness and provided care over all dependent on him A kind husband an

indulgent yet not foolish father and a good master was the center of his family ndash

spared no pains apart and no expense in whatever ministered to their welfare

comfort or happiness Knowing the advantages of education by the lack of them

in his youth all his children were trained in the path of knowledge at the best

institutions He labored upwards to improve to elevate to educate the hand the

heart the mind the manners

His life was a successful one ndash a boisterous backward unpromising Spring ndash a

g___ grieving warm Summer an abundant yet short Autumn his demise sunk

into his ___ and his untimely ___ cut him off ___ was Winter with him And that

was mortal of him ___ gone from us ndash ldquolarge was his bounty and his soul

sincererdquo Let us imitate him in all the great good in his character which we are

still ___ and with a knowledge that we too are mortal and erring creatures21

Steele has long been attributed to the design of the Branch Bank building but is not the

only person to leave his mark on the structure According to the Lacy account book the building

was built with the help of several local subcontractors carpenters and masons including James

M Venable who ldquocovered the bank with sundry coppersrdquo Hugh N Moore who completed the

carpentry work William Hale who completed the painting Edward T and R Parker who

ldquoprovided the iron railings and installed them Thomas and William Brandon who completed the

stone and brick work Justin Dyer who was a subcontractor for the Brandon brothers and

Frederick Elgin who completed the stucco work for the slave quarters22

21 Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=WebSearch-4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

22

Brantley 377-378

9

The Panic of 1837

Figure 5 Political Cartoon by HR Robinson depicting the Panic of 1837 Print courtesy of the Library of

Congressrsquo Prints amp Photographs Catalog

Shortly after construction on the Branch Bank began the country experienced a large

scale panic known widely as the Panic of 1837 The Panic of 1837 has long been attributed to a

real estate bubble and inconsistent American banking policies The crisis began in 1836 when

the Bank of the United States lost its charter this in turn allowed the nationrsquos banks to issue

private banknotes unsupported by gold or silver Shortly thereafter President Andrew Jackson

passed the Specie Circular of 1836 This executive order was a reaction to excessive land

speculation and the use of unsupported paper money printed by sundry banks to purchase land

The order only allowed the purchase of government land using gold or silver By 1837 the

banks refused to redeem banknotes effectively shutting down commerce The initial Panic of

1837 and the subsequent depression that followed lasted for six-years23

The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville weathered this national

storm for a time In an annual report for the bank published in the November 18 1837 issue of

ldquoThe Democratrdquo Bank President Bartley M Lowe wrote

23

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012 httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

10

The statement of the ldquogeneral liabilities of the Bank and means to meet themrdquo

made without reference to the periods when those liabilities become due shows a

surplus of $16434442 Taking into consideration the late derangements in the

fiscal concerns of the country from the effects of which no banking institution

has been exempt a more favorable state of things could scarcely have been

anticipated and were it proper to close this communication here the friends of

this Branch might congratulate themselves on its prosperous condition24

All of the branches of the State Bank of Alabama including the branch at Huntsville

eventually succumbed to the pressures of the Panic of 183725

By February 4 1843 an Act

passed by the General Assembly allowed for the liquidation of the Branch of the Bank of the

State of Alabama at Huntsville26

After the Branch Bank at Huntsvillersquos charter expired January

1 1844 a commission was appointed in 1846 by order of the state legislature to ldquoonly continue

in operation for the security and collection of debts due to said Branch Bank and for the

settlement and liquidation of its affairsrdquo27

The committee completed its task by 1853 and the

bank building and land was sold in October of 185428

24

BM Lowe Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat (October 31 1837 Huntsville) 1

25 Linda Bayer George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief History 1

26

CC Clay comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama (Alabama Marmaduke J Slade 1843) 43

27

Bayer 1

28 The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z (Huntsville October 14

1854) 597Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z( Huntsville October 25

1854) 596 John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed Book BB

(Huntsville July 10 1857) 218-219 The deed dated July 10 1857 between John Whiting and Stephen Ewing is a later published document of an agreement made during the original purchase of the Bank property in 1837 A deed dated March 15 1837 between Stephen Ewing and the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville states that Ewing conveyed a parcel of land located on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row to the Branch Bank for the sum of $800000 The later deed dated July 101857 states ldquoMr Ewing having determined to take the House and lot owned by the Bank and receive the $1750 in exchange for the whole of his property on the bluff according to the proposition made to him at the last meeting_ Ordered that the President make to Mr Ewing a Deed for the lot sold to him and receive from him a Deed for the property sold by him to the bankrdquo The deed then goes on to say ldquoAnd whereas the said Stephen S Ewing afterwards on the 15

th day of March 1837 delivered

to the said Branch Bank a Deed of Conveyance of that date from him and his wife duly executed and acknowledged for the said property on the bluff And whereas no deed was ever made by the President of said Branch Bank or by any other person in pursuance of said resolution to the said Branch Bankrdquo It appears from these two records that Ewing made an agreement with the State Bank to exchange the property that he owned on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row for a plot of land and building that the Bank owned plus $175000 While Ewing held up his side of the agreement by creating a deed of sale in 1837 the Bank did not complete this task until 1857 after the Bank and land sold to the Nothern Bank of Alabama

11

The Northern Bank of Alabama and the Civil War (1852-1865)

Figure 6 Union occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1862 Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison

County Public Library

The Northern Bank of Alabama finalized the purchase of the bank house and lot in

October 1854 The bank remained in the possession of the Northern Bank of Alabama for fifteen

years Like the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville the Northern Bank of

Alabama was destined to face turmoil29

On April 12th

1861 the American Civil War tore

through the country marking the beginning of a tumultuous time in Huntsville

By and large Huntsville was a divided town prior to and during the Civil War

Huntsville composed of both landed gentry and yeoman farmers supported both Confederate

and Union sympathizers Despite the rift the fate of Huntsville like many towns and cities in

the south was irrevocably impacted by the Civil War30

Union troops led by General Ormsby M Mitchel seized control of Huntsville on the

morning of April 11 1862 Troops composed of the Indiana 5th

Independent Light Artillery 37th

29

Ibid 30

Taylor M Polites The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013 httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

12

Infantry the Illinois 19th

and 24th

Infantry and the Ohio 4th

Cavalry and 18th

Infantry led a

surprise attack on the city and Huntsville yielded to the encroaching Union Army with little

opposition31

One onlooker reported ldquothe clattering noise of the cavalry aroused them from their

slumber in the dawn of the morning and they flocked to door and window exclaiming with

blanched cheek and faltering tongue lsquoThey come They come The Yankees comersquordquo32

The interest of the Union army in Huntsville centered primarily on the capture of the

Huntsville Depot which served the Memphis and Charleston Railroads This particular junction

served as a major supply artery for the Confederate army the capture of which would help to

wound the rebel forces A Nashville newspaper Daily Union further described the situation

This Memphis and Charleston road is the only connection left the rebels between

Louisiana Mississippi and all Alabama west of Pensacola and the Southern

seaboard States Troops can only be sent east from New Orleans Natchez

Vicksburg Jackson Memphis Baton Rouge or Mobile or those points from

Virginia North or South Carolina or Georgia over the Memphis and Charleston

road the only railroad line now connecting the east and west of the rebellion Let

that road be once broken and the Southern Confederacy is cut into as effectually

as if a Chinese wall were built between the Gulf and the seaboard States33

Several buildings and homes in Huntsville were occupied by the Union army and were

used primarily as headquarters and encampments During the Civil War the Northern Bank of

Alabama was used as the commissary for Union troops (See figure 12) Local lore holds that

prior to the Federal occupation of Huntsville the bankrsquos cashier Theophilus Lacy placed the

bankrsquos funds in a burlap bag which he then hid inside one of the fireplace flues behind the

tellersrsquo cage Primary source documentation to support this tale has not been located34

Huntsville because of the Union occupation during the war escaped much of the terrible

destruction inflicted on other southern towns In general the occupation of Huntsville saw little

resistance Several of the pro-Confederate inhabitants did feel the weight of the occupation

however as Mary Jane Chadick a local Huntsville resident outlines in a diary entry dated April

12 1862 ldquoTruly our town is full of the enemy There is a sentinel at every corner Everybody

keeps the front door locked and I make it a point to answer the bell myself not permitting

children or servants to open it They have been searching the houses today for armshellip Servants

31

Deborah Storey Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml (accessed June 17 2015) Alabama Civil War Battles httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26 2015) Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama

32 Martha B Gabel General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical Review

(July 1971) 16 33

Gabel 14 Victoria Cumbow Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11 2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed June 17 2015)

34 Pat Jones The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review (April-July 1975) 26-27

13

Figure 7 Union Occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1864

Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

are giving information of all the

arms and soldiers who have been

concealedrdquo35

Some reprisal from pro-

Confederate bushwhackers did

occur these attacks escalated as

the occupation went on Mitchel

had difficulty maintaining order

throughout his widely spread

troops In a wire sent to

Washington Mitchel stated

ldquoArmed citizens fire into the

trains cut the telegraph wires

attack the guards of bridges cut

off and destroy my couriers

while guerrilla bands of cavalry

attack whenever there is the

slightest chance of successrdquo36

Mitchel attempted to restore order as is revealed in an April 28

1862 diary entry by Mary Jane Chadick that states ldquoGeneral Mitchel has been in a rage all the

week on account of the cutting of the telegraph wires the tearing up of the railroad track firing

into trains and holds the citizens responsible for the same having had 12 of the most prominent

arrestedrdquo General Mitchel and other Union officers took pains to ensure that the homes and

buildings that they occupied among them the Northern Bank building remained intact Only one

building the First Methodist Church on Greene Street was lost during the occupation when it

was accidentally burned down in January 1864 37

From April 11 1862 until the Civil Warrsquos end on April 9 1865 Federal troops occupied

the City of Huntsville By the warrsquos end a semblance of peace was restored to the City as the

Union occupation was lifted

35

Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

36 Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama 37

Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

14

The National Bank of Huntsville (1866-1889)

Figure 8 Photograph of the National Bank Building at Huntsville c 1870

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Pictured in front of

the building is bank cashier Theophilus Lacy Lacy held the position of cashier

of the bank with all of the institutions that occupied it until his death in 187438

During the first year after the war the Northern Bank of Alabama posted the sale of the

bank building for $3500000 ldquoreserving to themselves [existing stockholders] the right or

privilege of such occupancy as they require to wind up the affairs of the Northern Bank of

Alabama the said amount of $35000 to be paid in greenbacksrdquo Hard times hit Huntsville for a

brief period during Reconstruction leading to the sale of the Northern Bank of Alabama A

newly chartered bank the National Bank of Huntsville offered to purchase the property for

$30000 The sum was to be paid in three installments the first payment of $10000 to be paid

up-front the second to be paid at the end of the year and the third to be paid two years after the

38

Jones 28 In meeting minutes from the National Bank of Huntsville dated February 4 1874 members noted ldquoSince the last meeting of the board Theophilus Lacy the beloved and worthy cashier of the National Bank of Huntsville died at his residence within these walls on Tuesday night February 10 1874 at the age of 70 years one month 10 days It were vain to attempt to impress in mere words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt grief of each member of this board occasioned by the death of a brother who was a gentle as a little child yet as firm as the solid mountains who was so pure in heart so right-minded in all things so patient and of such lofty rectitudehellip It is becoming to say that his accounts were kept in order and as in this world the balance was always on the right side His survivors have the full assurance that when he is weighed in the scales of eternal justice he will receive the just and righteous manrsquos rewardhelliprdquo

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 7: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

7

Church of the Nativity on the corner of Eustis and Greene (no longer extant) the Fearn House

(517 Franklin Avenue) the Figures House (423 Randolph Avenue) the Presidentrsquos House (413

Randolph Avenue) Huntsville Female College (no longer extant) and Huntsville Female

Seminary School (no longer extant) George Steele died on October 21 1855 and was buried in

Maple Hill Cemetery20

His obituary in the ldquoSouthern Advocaterdquo read

Capt George Steele was born in Virginia in Bedford County on the ___

He resided up to his death the 21st inst in his 58

th year It is not the language of

the idle panegyric to say that George Steele was a man of marked individuality ndash

of positive characteristics and of impressive being There was nothing passive

doubtful or unreliable about him He was open and bold in expression and

prompt and energetic in action ndash Upon all questions affecting private or public

W__ [well] he had an opinion and could be placed by the most casual observer

He was loyal and sure() to those who loved him abt() but to those men

who sought him sweet as summer He was a warm and confiding friend never

forgetting a favor or a kindness and ready to spend and be spent aid of those who

survived his confidence

Capt Steelersquos life was an active one He grappled with the stern realities of

existence at the very threshold of manhood Without the adventurous and _____

way through all obstacles and over powerful opposition He was

self-educated ndash physically mechanically mentally artistically Of an iron will

indomitable energy and keen sagacity he met difficulties but overcame them and

kept straight on in the goal of merited success He was eminently a practical man-

a cultivated Mechanic ndash a Master builder ndash an accomplished Architect He had

not only learnt the drudgery of this profession but even passed beyond and

became an undertaker a designer a creator His judgment his taste his artistic

skill have become institutional They are seen open to the light of day manifest

the most obtuse in the Public Buildings in Huntsville ndash the Bank Court House

Blossom Institute Female Seminary Episcopal and Cumberland Churches many

of the residences in town and his own beautiful and tastefully adorned mansion

Huntsville is noted abroad for its improvements and public buildings To no one

so much as George Steele is the town indebted for its reputation His advice his

taste his hand are visible everywhere and for the better too He looked not only

to the present but to the future in all that he advised planned or executed and

Huntsville will long have cause to be grateful to his memory

Capt Steele was of a warm generous impulsive nature He was not free of

faults who that is mortal is But they were mere specks in the pure gold of his

character ndash ldquoHis faults lie gently on himrdquo Menrsquos virtues we would have live in

brass and their evil manners write in water His public character is known and

appreciated in this community where he lived moved and had his being so long

as usefully ndash as just ___and liberal in his dealings

20

Bayer 5-21

8

It was at home that George Steele also lived to benefit others There he lavished

his kindness and provided care over all dependent on him A kind husband an

indulgent yet not foolish father and a good master was the center of his family ndash

spared no pains apart and no expense in whatever ministered to their welfare

comfort or happiness Knowing the advantages of education by the lack of them

in his youth all his children were trained in the path of knowledge at the best

institutions He labored upwards to improve to elevate to educate the hand the

heart the mind the manners

His life was a successful one ndash a boisterous backward unpromising Spring ndash a

g___ grieving warm Summer an abundant yet short Autumn his demise sunk

into his ___ and his untimely ___ cut him off ___ was Winter with him And that

was mortal of him ___ gone from us ndash ldquolarge was his bounty and his soul

sincererdquo Let us imitate him in all the great good in his character which we are

still ___ and with a knowledge that we too are mortal and erring creatures21

Steele has long been attributed to the design of the Branch Bank building but is not the

only person to leave his mark on the structure According to the Lacy account book the building

was built with the help of several local subcontractors carpenters and masons including James

M Venable who ldquocovered the bank with sundry coppersrdquo Hugh N Moore who completed the

carpentry work William Hale who completed the painting Edward T and R Parker who

ldquoprovided the iron railings and installed them Thomas and William Brandon who completed the

stone and brick work Justin Dyer who was a subcontractor for the Brandon brothers and

Frederick Elgin who completed the stucco work for the slave quarters22

21 Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=WebSearch-4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

22

Brantley 377-378

9

The Panic of 1837

Figure 5 Political Cartoon by HR Robinson depicting the Panic of 1837 Print courtesy of the Library of

Congressrsquo Prints amp Photographs Catalog

Shortly after construction on the Branch Bank began the country experienced a large

scale panic known widely as the Panic of 1837 The Panic of 1837 has long been attributed to a

real estate bubble and inconsistent American banking policies The crisis began in 1836 when

the Bank of the United States lost its charter this in turn allowed the nationrsquos banks to issue

private banknotes unsupported by gold or silver Shortly thereafter President Andrew Jackson

passed the Specie Circular of 1836 This executive order was a reaction to excessive land

speculation and the use of unsupported paper money printed by sundry banks to purchase land

The order only allowed the purchase of government land using gold or silver By 1837 the

banks refused to redeem banknotes effectively shutting down commerce The initial Panic of

1837 and the subsequent depression that followed lasted for six-years23

The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville weathered this national

storm for a time In an annual report for the bank published in the November 18 1837 issue of

ldquoThe Democratrdquo Bank President Bartley M Lowe wrote

23

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012 httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

10

The statement of the ldquogeneral liabilities of the Bank and means to meet themrdquo

made without reference to the periods when those liabilities become due shows a

surplus of $16434442 Taking into consideration the late derangements in the

fiscal concerns of the country from the effects of which no banking institution

has been exempt a more favorable state of things could scarcely have been

anticipated and were it proper to close this communication here the friends of

this Branch might congratulate themselves on its prosperous condition24

All of the branches of the State Bank of Alabama including the branch at Huntsville

eventually succumbed to the pressures of the Panic of 183725

By February 4 1843 an Act

passed by the General Assembly allowed for the liquidation of the Branch of the Bank of the

State of Alabama at Huntsville26

After the Branch Bank at Huntsvillersquos charter expired January

1 1844 a commission was appointed in 1846 by order of the state legislature to ldquoonly continue

in operation for the security and collection of debts due to said Branch Bank and for the

settlement and liquidation of its affairsrdquo27

The committee completed its task by 1853 and the

bank building and land was sold in October of 185428

24

BM Lowe Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat (October 31 1837 Huntsville) 1

25 Linda Bayer George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief History 1

26

CC Clay comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama (Alabama Marmaduke J Slade 1843) 43

27

Bayer 1

28 The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z (Huntsville October 14

1854) 597Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z( Huntsville October 25

1854) 596 John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed Book BB

(Huntsville July 10 1857) 218-219 The deed dated July 10 1857 between John Whiting and Stephen Ewing is a later published document of an agreement made during the original purchase of the Bank property in 1837 A deed dated March 15 1837 between Stephen Ewing and the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville states that Ewing conveyed a parcel of land located on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row to the Branch Bank for the sum of $800000 The later deed dated July 101857 states ldquoMr Ewing having determined to take the House and lot owned by the Bank and receive the $1750 in exchange for the whole of his property on the bluff according to the proposition made to him at the last meeting_ Ordered that the President make to Mr Ewing a Deed for the lot sold to him and receive from him a Deed for the property sold by him to the bankrdquo The deed then goes on to say ldquoAnd whereas the said Stephen S Ewing afterwards on the 15

th day of March 1837 delivered

to the said Branch Bank a Deed of Conveyance of that date from him and his wife duly executed and acknowledged for the said property on the bluff And whereas no deed was ever made by the President of said Branch Bank or by any other person in pursuance of said resolution to the said Branch Bankrdquo It appears from these two records that Ewing made an agreement with the State Bank to exchange the property that he owned on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row for a plot of land and building that the Bank owned plus $175000 While Ewing held up his side of the agreement by creating a deed of sale in 1837 the Bank did not complete this task until 1857 after the Bank and land sold to the Nothern Bank of Alabama

11

The Northern Bank of Alabama and the Civil War (1852-1865)

Figure 6 Union occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1862 Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison

County Public Library

The Northern Bank of Alabama finalized the purchase of the bank house and lot in

October 1854 The bank remained in the possession of the Northern Bank of Alabama for fifteen

years Like the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville the Northern Bank of

Alabama was destined to face turmoil29

On April 12th

1861 the American Civil War tore

through the country marking the beginning of a tumultuous time in Huntsville

By and large Huntsville was a divided town prior to and during the Civil War

Huntsville composed of both landed gentry and yeoman farmers supported both Confederate

and Union sympathizers Despite the rift the fate of Huntsville like many towns and cities in

the south was irrevocably impacted by the Civil War30

Union troops led by General Ormsby M Mitchel seized control of Huntsville on the

morning of April 11 1862 Troops composed of the Indiana 5th

Independent Light Artillery 37th

29

Ibid 30

Taylor M Polites The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013 httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

12

Infantry the Illinois 19th

and 24th

Infantry and the Ohio 4th

Cavalry and 18th

Infantry led a

surprise attack on the city and Huntsville yielded to the encroaching Union Army with little

opposition31

One onlooker reported ldquothe clattering noise of the cavalry aroused them from their

slumber in the dawn of the morning and they flocked to door and window exclaiming with

blanched cheek and faltering tongue lsquoThey come They come The Yankees comersquordquo32

The interest of the Union army in Huntsville centered primarily on the capture of the

Huntsville Depot which served the Memphis and Charleston Railroads This particular junction

served as a major supply artery for the Confederate army the capture of which would help to

wound the rebel forces A Nashville newspaper Daily Union further described the situation

This Memphis and Charleston road is the only connection left the rebels between

Louisiana Mississippi and all Alabama west of Pensacola and the Southern

seaboard States Troops can only be sent east from New Orleans Natchez

Vicksburg Jackson Memphis Baton Rouge or Mobile or those points from

Virginia North or South Carolina or Georgia over the Memphis and Charleston

road the only railroad line now connecting the east and west of the rebellion Let

that road be once broken and the Southern Confederacy is cut into as effectually

as if a Chinese wall were built between the Gulf and the seaboard States33

Several buildings and homes in Huntsville were occupied by the Union army and were

used primarily as headquarters and encampments During the Civil War the Northern Bank of

Alabama was used as the commissary for Union troops (See figure 12) Local lore holds that

prior to the Federal occupation of Huntsville the bankrsquos cashier Theophilus Lacy placed the

bankrsquos funds in a burlap bag which he then hid inside one of the fireplace flues behind the

tellersrsquo cage Primary source documentation to support this tale has not been located34

Huntsville because of the Union occupation during the war escaped much of the terrible

destruction inflicted on other southern towns In general the occupation of Huntsville saw little

resistance Several of the pro-Confederate inhabitants did feel the weight of the occupation

however as Mary Jane Chadick a local Huntsville resident outlines in a diary entry dated April

12 1862 ldquoTruly our town is full of the enemy There is a sentinel at every corner Everybody

keeps the front door locked and I make it a point to answer the bell myself not permitting

children or servants to open it They have been searching the houses today for armshellip Servants

31

Deborah Storey Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml (accessed June 17 2015) Alabama Civil War Battles httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26 2015) Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama

32 Martha B Gabel General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical Review

(July 1971) 16 33

Gabel 14 Victoria Cumbow Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11 2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed June 17 2015)

34 Pat Jones The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review (April-July 1975) 26-27

13

Figure 7 Union Occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1864

Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

are giving information of all the

arms and soldiers who have been

concealedrdquo35

Some reprisal from pro-

Confederate bushwhackers did

occur these attacks escalated as

the occupation went on Mitchel

had difficulty maintaining order

throughout his widely spread

troops In a wire sent to

Washington Mitchel stated

ldquoArmed citizens fire into the

trains cut the telegraph wires

attack the guards of bridges cut

off and destroy my couriers

while guerrilla bands of cavalry

attack whenever there is the

slightest chance of successrdquo36

Mitchel attempted to restore order as is revealed in an April 28

1862 diary entry by Mary Jane Chadick that states ldquoGeneral Mitchel has been in a rage all the

week on account of the cutting of the telegraph wires the tearing up of the railroad track firing

into trains and holds the citizens responsible for the same having had 12 of the most prominent

arrestedrdquo General Mitchel and other Union officers took pains to ensure that the homes and

buildings that they occupied among them the Northern Bank building remained intact Only one

building the First Methodist Church on Greene Street was lost during the occupation when it

was accidentally burned down in January 1864 37

From April 11 1862 until the Civil Warrsquos end on April 9 1865 Federal troops occupied

the City of Huntsville By the warrsquos end a semblance of peace was restored to the City as the

Union occupation was lifted

35

Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

36 Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama 37

Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

14

The National Bank of Huntsville (1866-1889)

Figure 8 Photograph of the National Bank Building at Huntsville c 1870

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Pictured in front of

the building is bank cashier Theophilus Lacy Lacy held the position of cashier

of the bank with all of the institutions that occupied it until his death in 187438

During the first year after the war the Northern Bank of Alabama posted the sale of the

bank building for $3500000 ldquoreserving to themselves [existing stockholders] the right or

privilege of such occupancy as they require to wind up the affairs of the Northern Bank of

Alabama the said amount of $35000 to be paid in greenbacksrdquo Hard times hit Huntsville for a

brief period during Reconstruction leading to the sale of the Northern Bank of Alabama A

newly chartered bank the National Bank of Huntsville offered to purchase the property for

$30000 The sum was to be paid in three installments the first payment of $10000 to be paid

up-front the second to be paid at the end of the year and the third to be paid two years after the

38

Jones 28 In meeting minutes from the National Bank of Huntsville dated February 4 1874 members noted ldquoSince the last meeting of the board Theophilus Lacy the beloved and worthy cashier of the National Bank of Huntsville died at his residence within these walls on Tuesday night February 10 1874 at the age of 70 years one month 10 days It were vain to attempt to impress in mere words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt grief of each member of this board occasioned by the death of a brother who was a gentle as a little child yet as firm as the solid mountains who was so pure in heart so right-minded in all things so patient and of such lofty rectitudehellip It is becoming to say that his accounts were kept in order and as in this world the balance was always on the right side His survivors have the full assurance that when he is weighed in the scales of eternal justice he will receive the just and righteous manrsquos rewardhelliprdquo

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 8: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

8

It was at home that George Steele also lived to benefit others There he lavished

his kindness and provided care over all dependent on him A kind husband an

indulgent yet not foolish father and a good master was the center of his family ndash

spared no pains apart and no expense in whatever ministered to their welfare

comfort or happiness Knowing the advantages of education by the lack of them

in his youth all his children were trained in the path of knowledge at the best

institutions He labored upwards to improve to elevate to educate the hand the

heart the mind the manners

His life was a successful one ndash a boisterous backward unpromising Spring ndash a

g___ grieving warm Summer an abundant yet short Autumn his demise sunk

into his ___ and his untimely ___ cut him off ___ was Winter with him And that

was mortal of him ___ gone from us ndash ldquolarge was his bounty and his soul

sincererdquo Let us imitate him in all the great good in his character which we are

still ___ and with a knowledge that we too are mortal and erring creatures21

Steele has long been attributed to the design of the Branch Bank building but is not the

only person to leave his mark on the structure According to the Lacy account book the building

was built with the help of several local subcontractors carpenters and masons including James

M Venable who ldquocovered the bank with sundry coppersrdquo Hugh N Moore who completed the

carpentry work William Hale who completed the painting Edward T and R Parker who

ldquoprovided the iron railings and installed them Thomas and William Brandon who completed the

stone and brick work Justin Dyer who was a subcontractor for the Brandon brothers and

Frederick Elgin who completed the stucco work for the slave quarters22

21 Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedlldb=WebSearch-4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07 2015)

22

Brantley 377-378

9

The Panic of 1837

Figure 5 Political Cartoon by HR Robinson depicting the Panic of 1837 Print courtesy of the Library of

Congressrsquo Prints amp Photographs Catalog

Shortly after construction on the Branch Bank began the country experienced a large

scale panic known widely as the Panic of 1837 The Panic of 1837 has long been attributed to a

real estate bubble and inconsistent American banking policies The crisis began in 1836 when

the Bank of the United States lost its charter this in turn allowed the nationrsquos banks to issue

private banknotes unsupported by gold or silver Shortly thereafter President Andrew Jackson

passed the Specie Circular of 1836 This executive order was a reaction to excessive land

speculation and the use of unsupported paper money printed by sundry banks to purchase land

The order only allowed the purchase of government land using gold or silver By 1837 the

banks refused to redeem banknotes effectively shutting down commerce The initial Panic of

1837 and the subsequent depression that followed lasted for six-years23

The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville weathered this national

storm for a time In an annual report for the bank published in the November 18 1837 issue of

ldquoThe Democratrdquo Bank President Bartley M Lowe wrote

23

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012 httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

10

The statement of the ldquogeneral liabilities of the Bank and means to meet themrdquo

made without reference to the periods when those liabilities become due shows a

surplus of $16434442 Taking into consideration the late derangements in the

fiscal concerns of the country from the effects of which no banking institution

has been exempt a more favorable state of things could scarcely have been

anticipated and were it proper to close this communication here the friends of

this Branch might congratulate themselves on its prosperous condition24

All of the branches of the State Bank of Alabama including the branch at Huntsville

eventually succumbed to the pressures of the Panic of 183725

By February 4 1843 an Act

passed by the General Assembly allowed for the liquidation of the Branch of the Bank of the

State of Alabama at Huntsville26

After the Branch Bank at Huntsvillersquos charter expired January

1 1844 a commission was appointed in 1846 by order of the state legislature to ldquoonly continue

in operation for the security and collection of debts due to said Branch Bank and for the

settlement and liquidation of its affairsrdquo27

The committee completed its task by 1853 and the

bank building and land was sold in October of 185428

24

BM Lowe Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat (October 31 1837 Huntsville) 1

25 Linda Bayer George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief History 1

26

CC Clay comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama (Alabama Marmaduke J Slade 1843) 43

27

Bayer 1

28 The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z (Huntsville October 14

1854) 597Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z( Huntsville October 25

1854) 596 John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed Book BB

(Huntsville July 10 1857) 218-219 The deed dated July 10 1857 between John Whiting and Stephen Ewing is a later published document of an agreement made during the original purchase of the Bank property in 1837 A deed dated March 15 1837 between Stephen Ewing and the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville states that Ewing conveyed a parcel of land located on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row to the Branch Bank for the sum of $800000 The later deed dated July 101857 states ldquoMr Ewing having determined to take the House and lot owned by the Bank and receive the $1750 in exchange for the whole of his property on the bluff according to the proposition made to him at the last meeting_ Ordered that the President make to Mr Ewing a Deed for the lot sold to him and receive from him a Deed for the property sold by him to the bankrdquo The deed then goes on to say ldquoAnd whereas the said Stephen S Ewing afterwards on the 15

th day of March 1837 delivered

to the said Branch Bank a Deed of Conveyance of that date from him and his wife duly executed and acknowledged for the said property on the bluff And whereas no deed was ever made by the President of said Branch Bank or by any other person in pursuance of said resolution to the said Branch Bankrdquo It appears from these two records that Ewing made an agreement with the State Bank to exchange the property that he owned on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row for a plot of land and building that the Bank owned plus $175000 While Ewing held up his side of the agreement by creating a deed of sale in 1837 the Bank did not complete this task until 1857 after the Bank and land sold to the Nothern Bank of Alabama

11

The Northern Bank of Alabama and the Civil War (1852-1865)

Figure 6 Union occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1862 Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison

County Public Library

The Northern Bank of Alabama finalized the purchase of the bank house and lot in

October 1854 The bank remained in the possession of the Northern Bank of Alabama for fifteen

years Like the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville the Northern Bank of

Alabama was destined to face turmoil29

On April 12th

1861 the American Civil War tore

through the country marking the beginning of a tumultuous time in Huntsville

By and large Huntsville was a divided town prior to and during the Civil War

Huntsville composed of both landed gentry and yeoman farmers supported both Confederate

and Union sympathizers Despite the rift the fate of Huntsville like many towns and cities in

the south was irrevocably impacted by the Civil War30

Union troops led by General Ormsby M Mitchel seized control of Huntsville on the

morning of April 11 1862 Troops composed of the Indiana 5th

Independent Light Artillery 37th

29

Ibid 30

Taylor M Polites The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013 httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

12

Infantry the Illinois 19th

and 24th

Infantry and the Ohio 4th

Cavalry and 18th

Infantry led a

surprise attack on the city and Huntsville yielded to the encroaching Union Army with little

opposition31

One onlooker reported ldquothe clattering noise of the cavalry aroused them from their

slumber in the dawn of the morning and they flocked to door and window exclaiming with

blanched cheek and faltering tongue lsquoThey come They come The Yankees comersquordquo32

The interest of the Union army in Huntsville centered primarily on the capture of the

Huntsville Depot which served the Memphis and Charleston Railroads This particular junction

served as a major supply artery for the Confederate army the capture of which would help to

wound the rebel forces A Nashville newspaper Daily Union further described the situation

This Memphis and Charleston road is the only connection left the rebels between

Louisiana Mississippi and all Alabama west of Pensacola and the Southern

seaboard States Troops can only be sent east from New Orleans Natchez

Vicksburg Jackson Memphis Baton Rouge or Mobile or those points from

Virginia North or South Carolina or Georgia over the Memphis and Charleston

road the only railroad line now connecting the east and west of the rebellion Let

that road be once broken and the Southern Confederacy is cut into as effectually

as if a Chinese wall were built between the Gulf and the seaboard States33

Several buildings and homes in Huntsville were occupied by the Union army and were

used primarily as headquarters and encampments During the Civil War the Northern Bank of

Alabama was used as the commissary for Union troops (See figure 12) Local lore holds that

prior to the Federal occupation of Huntsville the bankrsquos cashier Theophilus Lacy placed the

bankrsquos funds in a burlap bag which he then hid inside one of the fireplace flues behind the

tellersrsquo cage Primary source documentation to support this tale has not been located34

Huntsville because of the Union occupation during the war escaped much of the terrible

destruction inflicted on other southern towns In general the occupation of Huntsville saw little

resistance Several of the pro-Confederate inhabitants did feel the weight of the occupation

however as Mary Jane Chadick a local Huntsville resident outlines in a diary entry dated April

12 1862 ldquoTruly our town is full of the enemy There is a sentinel at every corner Everybody

keeps the front door locked and I make it a point to answer the bell myself not permitting

children or servants to open it They have been searching the houses today for armshellip Servants

31

Deborah Storey Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml (accessed June 17 2015) Alabama Civil War Battles httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26 2015) Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama

32 Martha B Gabel General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical Review

(July 1971) 16 33

Gabel 14 Victoria Cumbow Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11 2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed June 17 2015)

34 Pat Jones The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review (April-July 1975) 26-27

13

Figure 7 Union Occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1864

Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

are giving information of all the

arms and soldiers who have been

concealedrdquo35

Some reprisal from pro-

Confederate bushwhackers did

occur these attacks escalated as

the occupation went on Mitchel

had difficulty maintaining order

throughout his widely spread

troops In a wire sent to

Washington Mitchel stated

ldquoArmed citizens fire into the

trains cut the telegraph wires

attack the guards of bridges cut

off and destroy my couriers

while guerrilla bands of cavalry

attack whenever there is the

slightest chance of successrdquo36

Mitchel attempted to restore order as is revealed in an April 28

1862 diary entry by Mary Jane Chadick that states ldquoGeneral Mitchel has been in a rage all the

week on account of the cutting of the telegraph wires the tearing up of the railroad track firing

into trains and holds the citizens responsible for the same having had 12 of the most prominent

arrestedrdquo General Mitchel and other Union officers took pains to ensure that the homes and

buildings that they occupied among them the Northern Bank building remained intact Only one

building the First Methodist Church on Greene Street was lost during the occupation when it

was accidentally burned down in January 1864 37

From April 11 1862 until the Civil Warrsquos end on April 9 1865 Federal troops occupied

the City of Huntsville By the warrsquos end a semblance of peace was restored to the City as the

Union occupation was lifted

35

Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

36 Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama 37

Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

14

The National Bank of Huntsville (1866-1889)

Figure 8 Photograph of the National Bank Building at Huntsville c 1870

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Pictured in front of

the building is bank cashier Theophilus Lacy Lacy held the position of cashier

of the bank with all of the institutions that occupied it until his death in 187438

During the first year after the war the Northern Bank of Alabama posted the sale of the

bank building for $3500000 ldquoreserving to themselves [existing stockholders] the right or

privilege of such occupancy as they require to wind up the affairs of the Northern Bank of

Alabama the said amount of $35000 to be paid in greenbacksrdquo Hard times hit Huntsville for a

brief period during Reconstruction leading to the sale of the Northern Bank of Alabama A

newly chartered bank the National Bank of Huntsville offered to purchase the property for

$30000 The sum was to be paid in three installments the first payment of $10000 to be paid

up-front the second to be paid at the end of the year and the third to be paid two years after the

38

Jones 28 In meeting minutes from the National Bank of Huntsville dated February 4 1874 members noted ldquoSince the last meeting of the board Theophilus Lacy the beloved and worthy cashier of the National Bank of Huntsville died at his residence within these walls on Tuesday night February 10 1874 at the age of 70 years one month 10 days It were vain to attempt to impress in mere words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt grief of each member of this board occasioned by the death of a brother who was a gentle as a little child yet as firm as the solid mountains who was so pure in heart so right-minded in all things so patient and of such lofty rectitudehellip It is becoming to say that his accounts were kept in order and as in this world the balance was always on the right side His survivors have the full assurance that when he is weighed in the scales of eternal justice he will receive the just and righteous manrsquos rewardhelliprdquo

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 9: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

9

The Panic of 1837

Figure 5 Political Cartoon by HR Robinson depicting the Panic of 1837 Print courtesy of the Library of

Congressrsquo Prints amp Photographs Catalog

Shortly after construction on the Branch Bank began the country experienced a large

scale panic known widely as the Panic of 1837 The Panic of 1837 has long been attributed to a

real estate bubble and inconsistent American banking policies The crisis began in 1836 when

the Bank of the United States lost its charter this in turn allowed the nationrsquos banks to issue

private banknotes unsupported by gold or silver Shortly thereafter President Andrew Jackson

passed the Specie Circular of 1836 This executive order was a reaction to excessive land

speculation and the use of unsupported paper money printed by sundry banks to purchase land

The order only allowed the purchase of government land using gold or silver By 1837 the

banks refused to redeem banknotes effectively shutting down commerce The initial Panic of

1837 and the subsequent depression that followed lasted for six-years23

The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville weathered this national

storm for a time In an annual report for the bank published in the November 18 1837 issue of

ldquoThe Democratrdquo Bank President Bartley M Lowe wrote

23

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012 httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

10

The statement of the ldquogeneral liabilities of the Bank and means to meet themrdquo

made without reference to the periods when those liabilities become due shows a

surplus of $16434442 Taking into consideration the late derangements in the

fiscal concerns of the country from the effects of which no banking institution

has been exempt a more favorable state of things could scarcely have been

anticipated and were it proper to close this communication here the friends of

this Branch might congratulate themselves on its prosperous condition24

All of the branches of the State Bank of Alabama including the branch at Huntsville

eventually succumbed to the pressures of the Panic of 183725

By February 4 1843 an Act

passed by the General Assembly allowed for the liquidation of the Branch of the Bank of the

State of Alabama at Huntsville26

After the Branch Bank at Huntsvillersquos charter expired January

1 1844 a commission was appointed in 1846 by order of the state legislature to ldquoonly continue

in operation for the security and collection of debts due to said Branch Bank and for the

settlement and liquidation of its affairsrdquo27

The committee completed its task by 1853 and the

bank building and land was sold in October of 185428

24

BM Lowe Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat (October 31 1837 Huntsville) 1

25 Linda Bayer George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief History 1

26

CC Clay comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama (Alabama Marmaduke J Slade 1843) 43

27

Bayer 1

28 The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z (Huntsville October 14

1854) 597Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z( Huntsville October 25

1854) 596 John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed Book BB

(Huntsville July 10 1857) 218-219 The deed dated July 10 1857 between John Whiting and Stephen Ewing is a later published document of an agreement made during the original purchase of the Bank property in 1837 A deed dated March 15 1837 between Stephen Ewing and the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville states that Ewing conveyed a parcel of land located on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row to the Branch Bank for the sum of $800000 The later deed dated July 101857 states ldquoMr Ewing having determined to take the House and lot owned by the Bank and receive the $1750 in exchange for the whole of his property on the bluff according to the proposition made to him at the last meeting_ Ordered that the President make to Mr Ewing a Deed for the lot sold to him and receive from him a Deed for the property sold by him to the bankrdquo The deed then goes on to say ldquoAnd whereas the said Stephen S Ewing afterwards on the 15

th day of March 1837 delivered

to the said Branch Bank a Deed of Conveyance of that date from him and his wife duly executed and acknowledged for the said property on the bluff And whereas no deed was ever made by the President of said Branch Bank or by any other person in pursuance of said resolution to the said Branch Bankrdquo It appears from these two records that Ewing made an agreement with the State Bank to exchange the property that he owned on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row for a plot of land and building that the Bank owned plus $175000 While Ewing held up his side of the agreement by creating a deed of sale in 1837 the Bank did not complete this task until 1857 after the Bank and land sold to the Nothern Bank of Alabama

11

The Northern Bank of Alabama and the Civil War (1852-1865)

Figure 6 Union occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1862 Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison

County Public Library

The Northern Bank of Alabama finalized the purchase of the bank house and lot in

October 1854 The bank remained in the possession of the Northern Bank of Alabama for fifteen

years Like the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville the Northern Bank of

Alabama was destined to face turmoil29

On April 12th

1861 the American Civil War tore

through the country marking the beginning of a tumultuous time in Huntsville

By and large Huntsville was a divided town prior to and during the Civil War

Huntsville composed of both landed gentry and yeoman farmers supported both Confederate

and Union sympathizers Despite the rift the fate of Huntsville like many towns and cities in

the south was irrevocably impacted by the Civil War30

Union troops led by General Ormsby M Mitchel seized control of Huntsville on the

morning of April 11 1862 Troops composed of the Indiana 5th

Independent Light Artillery 37th

29

Ibid 30

Taylor M Polites The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013 httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

12

Infantry the Illinois 19th

and 24th

Infantry and the Ohio 4th

Cavalry and 18th

Infantry led a

surprise attack on the city and Huntsville yielded to the encroaching Union Army with little

opposition31

One onlooker reported ldquothe clattering noise of the cavalry aroused them from their

slumber in the dawn of the morning and they flocked to door and window exclaiming with

blanched cheek and faltering tongue lsquoThey come They come The Yankees comersquordquo32

The interest of the Union army in Huntsville centered primarily on the capture of the

Huntsville Depot which served the Memphis and Charleston Railroads This particular junction

served as a major supply artery for the Confederate army the capture of which would help to

wound the rebel forces A Nashville newspaper Daily Union further described the situation

This Memphis and Charleston road is the only connection left the rebels between

Louisiana Mississippi and all Alabama west of Pensacola and the Southern

seaboard States Troops can only be sent east from New Orleans Natchez

Vicksburg Jackson Memphis Baton Rouge or Mobile or those points from

Virginia North or South Carolina or Georgia over the Memphis and Charleston

road the only railroad line now connecting the east and west of the rebellion Let

that road be once broken and the Southern Confederacy is cut into as effectually

as if a Chinese wall were built between the Gulf and the seaboard States33

Several buildings and homes in Huntsville were occupied by the Union army and were

used primarily as headquarters and encampments During the Civil War the Northern Bank of

Alabama was used as the commissary for Union troops (See figure 12) Local lore holds that

prior to the Federal occupation of Huntsville the bankrsquos cashier Theophilus Lacy placed the

bankrsquos funds in a burlap bag which he then hid inside one of the fireplace flues behind the

tellersrsquo cage Primary source documentation to support this tale has not been located34

Huntsville because of the Union occupation during the war escaped much of the terrible

destruction inflicted on other southern towns In general the occupation of Huntsville saw little

resistance Several of the pro-Confederate inhabitants did feel the weight of the occupation

however as Mary Jane Chadick a local Huntsville resident outlines in a diary entry dated April

12 1862 ldquoTruly our town is full of the enemy There is a sentinel at every corner Everybody

keeps the front door locked and I make it a point to answer the bell myself not permitting

children or servants to open it They have been searching the houses today for armshellip Servants

31

Deborah Storey Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml (accessed June 17 2015) Alabama Civil War Battles httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26 2015) Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama

32 Martha B Gabel General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical Review

(July 1971) 16 33

Gabel 14 Victoria Cumbow Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11 2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed June 17 2015)

34 Pat Jones The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review (April-July 1975) 26-27

13

Figure 7 Union Occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1864

Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

are giving information of all the

arms and soldiers who have been

concealedrdquo35

Some reprisal from pro-

Confederate bushwhackers did

occur these attacks escalated as

the occupation went on Mitchel

had difficulty maintaining order

throughout his widely spread

troops In a wire sent to

Washington Mitchel stated

ldquoArmed citizens fire into the

trains cut the telegraph wires

attack the guards of bridges cut

off and destroy my couriers

while guerrilla bands of cavalry

attack whenever there is the

slightest chance of successrdquo36

Mitchel attempted to restore order as is revealed in an April 28

1862 diary entry by Mary Jane Chadick that states ldquoGeneral Mitchel has been in a rage all the

week on account of the cutting of the telegraph wires the tearing up of the railroad track firing

into trains and holds the citizens responsible for the same having had 12 of the most prominent

arrestedrdquo General Mitchel and other Union officers took pains to ensure that the homes and

buildings that they occupied among them the Northern Bank building remained intact Only one

building the First Methodist Church on Greene Street was lost during the occupation when it

was accidentally burned down in January 1864 37

From April 11 1862 until the Civil Warrsquos end on April 9 1865 Federal troops occupied

the City of Huntsville By the warrsquos end a semblance of peace was restored to the City as the

Union occupation was lifted

35

Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

36 Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama 37

Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

14

The National Bank of Huntsville (1866-1889)

Figure 8 Photograph of the National Bank Building at Huntsville c 1870

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Pictured in front of

the building is bank cashier Theophilus Lacy Lacy held the position of cashier

of the bank with all of the institutions that occupied it until his death in 187438

During the first year after the war the Northern Bank of Alabama posted the sale of the

bank building for $3500000 ldquoreserving to themselves [existing stockholders] the right or

privilege of such occupancy as they require to wind up the affairs of the Northern Bank of

Alabama the said amount of $35000 to be paid in greenbacksrdquo Hard times hit Huntsville for a

brief period during Reconstruction leading to the sale of the Northern Bank of Alabama A

newly chartered bank the National Bank of Huntsville offered to purchase the property for

$30000 The sum was to be paid in three installments the first payment of $10000 to be paid

up-front the second to be paid at the end of the year and the third to be paid two years after the

38

Jones 28 In meeting minutes from the National Bank of Huntsville dated February 4 1874 members noted ldquoSince the last meeting of the board Theophilus Lacy the beloved and worthy cashier of the National Bank of Huntsville died at his residence within these walls on Tuesday night February 10 1874 at the age of 70 years one month 10 days It were vain to attempt to impress in mere words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt grief of each member of this board occasioned by the death of a brother who was a gentle as a little child yet as firm as the solid mountains who was so pure in heart so right-minded in all things so patient and of such lofty rectitudehellip It is becoming to say that his accounts were kept in order and as in this world the balance was always on the right side His survivors have the full assurance that when he is weighed in the scales of eternal justice he will receive the just and righteous manrsquos rewardhelliprdquo

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 10: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

10

The statement of the ldquogeneral liabilities of the Bank and means to meet themrdquo

made without reference to the periods when those liabilities become due shows a

surplus of $16434442 Taking into consideration the late derangements in the

fiscal concerns of the country from the effects of which no banking institution

has been exempt a more favorable state of things could scarcely have been

anticipated and were it proper to close this communication here the friends of

this Branch might congratulate themselves on its prosperous condition24

All of the branches of the State Bank of Alabama including the branch at Huntsville

eventually succumbed to the pressures of the Panic of 183725

By February 4 1843 an Act

passed by the General Assembly allowed for the liquidation of the Branch of the Bank of the

State of Alabama at Huntsville26

After the Branch Bank at Huntsvillersquos charter expired January

1 1844 a commission was appointed in 1846 by order of the state legislature to ldquoonly continue

in operation for the security and collection of debts due to said Branch Bank and for the

settlement and liquidation of its affairsrdquo27

The committee completed its task by 1853 and the

bank building and land was sold in October of 185428

24

BM Lowe Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat (October 31 1837 Huntsville) 1

25 Linda Bayer George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief History 1

26

CC Clay comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama (Alabama Marmaduke J Slade 1843) 43

27

Bayer 1

28 The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z (Huntsville October 14

1854) 597Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z( Huntsville October 25

1854) 596 John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed Book BB

(Huntsville July 10 1857) 218-219 The deed dated July 10 1857 between John Whiting and Stephen Ewing is a later published document of an agreement made during the original purchase of the Bank property in 1837 A deed dated March 15 1837 between Stephen Ewing and the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville states that Ewing conveyed a parcel of land located on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row to the Branch Bank for the sum of $800000 The later deed dated July 101857 states ldquoMr Ewing having determined to take the House and lot owned by the Bank and receive the $1750 in exchange for the whole of his property on the bluff according to the proposition made to him at the last meeting_ Ordered that the President make to Mr Ewing a Deed for the lot sold to him and receive from him a Deed for the property sold by him to the bankrdquo The deed then goes on to say ldquoAnd whereas the said Stephen S Ewing afterwards on the 15

th day of March 1837 delivered

to the said Branch Bank a Deed of Conveyance of that date from him and his wife duly executed and acknowledged for the said property on the bluff And whereas no deed was ever made by the President of said Branch Bank or by any other person in pursuance of said resolution to the said Branch Bankrdquo It appears from these two records that Ewing made an agreement with the State Bank to exchange the property that he owned on the corner of Bank Row and Fountain Row for a plot of land and building that the Bank owned plus $175000 While Ewing held up his side of the agreement by creating a deed of sale in 1837 the Bank did not complete this task until 1857 after the Bank and land sold to the Nothern Bank of Alabama

11

The Northern Bank of Alabama and the Civil War (1852-1865)

Figure 6 Union occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1862 Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison

County Public Library

The Northern Bank of Alabama finalized the purchase of the bank house and lot in

October 1854 The bank remained in the possession of the Northern Bank of Alabama for fifteen

years Like the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville the Northern Bank of

Alabama was destined to face turmoil29

On April 12th

1861 the American Civil War tore

through the country marking the beginning of a tumultuous time in Huntsville

By and large Huntsville was a divided town prior to and during the Civil War

Huntsville composed of both landed gentry and yeoman farmers supported both Confederate

and Union sympathizers Despite the rift the fate of Huntsville like many towns and cities in

the south was irrevocably impacted by the Civil War30

Union troops led by General Ormsby M Mitchel seized control of Huntsville on the

morning of April 11 1862 Troops composed of the Indiana 5th

Independent Light Artillery 37th

29

Ibid 30

Taylor M Polites The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013 httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

12

Infantry the Illinois 19th

and 24th

Infantry and the Ohio 4th

Cavalry and 18th

Infantry led a

surprise attack on the city and Huntsville yielded to the encroaching Union Army with little

opposition31

One onlooker reported ldquothe clattering noise of the cavalry aroused them from their

slumber in the dawn of the morning and they flocked to door and window exclaiming with

blanched cheek and faltering tongue lsquoThey come They come The Yankees comersquordquo32

The interest of the Union army in Huntsville centered primarily on the capture of the

Huntsville Depot which served the Memphis and Charleston Railroads This particular junction

served as a major supply artery for the Confederate army the capture of which would help to

wound the rebel forces A Nashville newspaper Daily Union further described the situation

This Memphis and Charleston road is the only connection left the rebels between

Louisiana Mississippi and all Alabama west of Pensacola and the Southern

seaboard States Troops can only be sent east from New Orleans Natchez

Vicksburg Jackson Memphis Baton Rouge or Mobile or those points from

Virginia North or South Carolina or Georgia over the Memphis and Charleston

road the only railroad line now connecting the east and west of the rebellion Let

that road be once broken and the Southern Confederacy is cut into as effectually

as if a Chinese wall were built between the Gulf and the seaboard States33

Several buildings and homes in Huntsville were occupied by the Union army and were

used primarily as headquarters and encampments During the Civil War the Northern Bank of

Alabama was used as the commissary for Union troops (See figure 12) Local lore holds that

prior to the Federal occupation of Huntsville the bankrsquos cashier Theophilus Lacy placed the

bankrsquos funds in a burlap bag which he then hid inside one of the fireplace flues behind the

tellersrsquo cage Primary source documentation to support this tale has not been located34

Huntsville because of the Union occupation during the war escaped much of the terrible

destruction inflicted on other southern towns In general the occupation of Huntsville saw little

resistance Several of the pro-Confederate inhabitants did feel the weight of the occupation

however as Mary Jane Chadick a local Huntsville resident outlines in a diary entry dated April

12 1862 ldquoTruly our town is full of the enemy There is a sentinel at every corner Everybody

keeps the front door locked and I make it a point to answer the bell myself not permitting

children or servants to open it They have been searching the houses today for armshellip Servants

31

Deborah Storey Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml (accessed June 17 2015) Alabama Civil War Battles httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26 2015) Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama

32 Martha B Gabel General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical Review

(July 1971) 16 33

Gabel 14 Victoria Cumbow Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11 2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed June 17 2015)

34 Pat Jones The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review (April-July 1975) 26-27

13

Figure 7 Union Occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1864

Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

are giving information of all the

arms and soldiers who have been

concealedrdquo35

Some reprisal from pro-

Confederate bushwhackers did

occur these attacks escalated as

the occupation went on Mitchel

had difficulty maintaining order

throughout his widely spread

troops In a wire sent to

Washington Mitchel stated

ldquoArmed citizens fire into the

trains cut the telegraph wires

attack the guards of bridges cut

off and destroy my couriers

while guerrilla bands of cavalry

attack whenever there is the

slightest chance of successrdquo36

Mitchel attempted to restore order as is revealed in an April 28

1862 diary entry by Mary Jane Chadick that states ldquoGeneral Mitchel has been in a rage all the

week on account of the cutting of the telegraph wires the tearing up of the railroad track firing

into trains and holds the citizens responsible for the same having had 12 of the most prominent

arrestedrdquo General Mitchel and other Union officers took pains to ensure that the homes and

buildings that they occupied among them the Northern Bank building remained intact Only one

building the First Methodist Church on Greene Street was lost during the occupation when it

was accidentally burned down in January 1864 37

From April 11 1862 until the Civil Warrsquos end on April 9 1865 Federal troops occupied

the City of Huntsville By the warrsquos end a semblance of peace was restored to the City as the

Union occupation was lifted

35

Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

36 Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama 37

Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

14

The National Bank of Huntsville (1866-1889)

Figure 8 Photograph of the National Bank Building at Huntsville c 1870

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Pictured in front of

the building is bank cashier Theophilus Lacy Lacy held the position of cashier

of the bank with all of the institutions that occupied it until his death in 187438

During the first year after the war the Northern Bank of Alabama posted the sale of the

bank building for $3500000 ldquoreserving to themselves [existing stockholders] the right or

privilege of such occupancy as they require to wind up the affairs of the Northern Bank of

Alabama the said amount of $35000 to be paid in greenbacksrdquo Hard times hit Huntsville for a

brief period during Reconstruction leading to the sale of the Northern Bank of Alabama A

newly chartered bank the National Bank of Huntsville offered to purchase the property for

$30000 The sum was to be paid in three installments the first payment of $10000 to be paid

up-front the second to be paid at the end of the year and the third to be paid two years after the

38

Jones 28 In meeting minutes from the National Bank of Huntsville dated February 4 1874 members noted ldquoSince the last meeting of the board Theophilus Lacy the beloved and worthy cashier of the National Bank of Huntsville died at his residence within these walls on Tuesday night February 10 1874 at the age of 70 years one month 10 days It were vain to attempt to impress in mere words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt grief of each member of this board occasioned by the death of a brother who was a gentle as a little child yet as firm as the solid mountains who was so pure in heart so right-minded in all things so patient and of such lofty rectitudehellip It is becoming to say that his accounts were kept in order and as in this world the balance was always on the right side His survivors have the full assurance that when he is weighed in the scales of eternal justice he will receive the just and righteous manrsquos rewardhelliprdquo

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

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httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 11: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

11

The Northern Bank of Alabama and the Civil War (1852-1865)

Figure 6 Union occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1862 Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison

County Public Library

The Northern Bank of Alabama finalized the purchase of the bank house and lot in

October 1854 The bank remained in the possession of the Northern Bank of Alabama for fifteen

years Like the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at Huntsville the Northern Bank of

Alabama was destined to face turmoil29

On April 12th

1861 the American Civil War tore

through the country marking the beginning of a tumultuous time in Huntsville

By and large Huntsville was a divided town prior to and during the Civil War

Huntsville composed of both landed gentry and yeoman farmers supported both Confederate

and Union sympathizers Despite the rift the fate of Huntsville like many towns and cities in

the south was irrevocably impacted by the Civil War30

Union troops led by General Ormsby M Mitchel seized control of Huntsville on the

morning of April 11 1862 Troops composed of the Indiana 5th

Independent Light Artillery 37th

29

Ibid 30

Taylor M Polites The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013 httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

12

Infantry the Illinois 19th

and 24th

Infantry and the Ohio 4th

Cavalry and 18th

Infantry led a

surprise attack on the city and Huntsville yielded to the encroaching Union Army with little

opposition31

One onlooker reported ldquothe clattering noise of the cavalry aroused them from their

slumber in the dawn of the morning and they flocked to door and window exclaiming with

blanched cheek and faltering tongue lsquoThey come They come The Yankees comersquordquo32

The interest of the Union army in Huntsville centered primarily on the capture of the

Huntsville Depot which served the Memphis and Charleston Railroads This particular junction

served as a major supply artery for the Confederate army the capture of which would help to

wound the rebel forces A Nashville newspaper Daily Union further described the situation

This Memphis and Charleston road is the only connection left the rebels between

Louisiana Mississippi and all Alabama west of Pensacola and the Southern

seaboard States Troops can only be sent east from New Orleans Natchez

Vicksburg Jackson Memphis Baton Rouge or Mobile or those points from

Virginia North or South Carolina or Georgia over the Memphis and Charleston

road the only railroad line now connecting the east and west of the rebellion Let

that road be once broken and the Southern Confederacy is cut into as effectually

as if a Chinese wall were built between the Gulf and the seaboard States33

Several buildings and homes in Huntsville were occupied by the Union army and were

used primarily as headquarters and encampments During the Civil War the Northern Bank of

Alabama was used as the commissary for Union troops (See figure 12) Local lore holds that

prior to the Federal occupation of Huntsville the bankrsquos cashier Theophilus Lacy placed the

bankrsquos funds in a burlap bag which he then hid inside one of the fireplace flues behind the

tellersrsquo cage Primary source documentation to support this tale has not been located34

Huntsville because of the Union occupation during the war escaped much of the terrible

destruction inflicted on other southern towns In general the occupation of Huntsville saw little

resistance Several of the pro-Confederate inhabitants did feel the weight of the occupation

however as Mary Jane Chadick a local Huntsville resident outlines in a diary entry dated April

12 1862 ldquoTruly our town is full of the enemy There is a sentinel at every corner Everybody

keeps the front door locked and I make it a point to answer the bell myself not permitting

children or servants to open it They have been searching the houses today for armshellip Servants

31

Deborah Storey Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml (accessed June 17 2015) Alabama Civil War Battles httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26 2015) Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama

32 Martha B Gabel General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical Review

(July 1971) 16 33

Gabel 14 Victoria Cumbow Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11 2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed June 17 2015)

34 Pat Jones The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review (April-July 1975) 26-27

13

Figure 7 Union Occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1864

Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

are giving information of all the

arms and soldiers who have been

concealedrdquo35

Some reprisal from pro-

Confederate bushwhackers did

occur these attacks escalated as

the occupation went on Mitchel

had difficulty maintaining order

throughout his widely spread

troops In a wire sent to

Washington Mitchel stated

ldquoArmed citizens fire into the

trains cut the telegraph wires

attack the guards of bridges cut

off and destroy my couriers

while guerrilla bands of cavalry

attack whenever there is the

slightest chance of successrdquo36

Mitchel attempted to restore order as is revealed in an April 28

1862 diary entry by Mary Jane Chadick that states ldquoGeneral Mitchel has been in a rage all the

week on account of the cutting of the telegraph wires the tearing up of the railroad track firing

into trains and holds the citizens responsible for the same having had 12 of the most prominent

arrestedrdquo General Mitchel and other Union officers took pains to ensure that the homes and

buildings that they occupied among them the Northern Bank building remained intact Only one

building the First Methodist Church on Greene Street was lost during the occupation when it

was accidentally burned down in January 1864 37

From April 11 1862 until the Civil Warrsquos end on April 9 1865 Federal troops occupied

the City of Huntsville By the warrsquos end a semblance of peace was restored to the City as the

Union occupation was lifted

35

Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

36 Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama 37

Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

14

The National Bank of Huntsville (1866-1889)

Figure 8 Photograph of the National Bank Building at Huntsville c 1870

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Pictured in front of

the building is bank cashier Theophilus Lacy Lacy held the position of cashier

of the bank with all of the institutions that occupied it until his death in 187438

During the first year after the war the Northern Bank of Alabama posted the sale of the

bank building for $3500000 ldquoreserving to themselves [existing stockholders] the right or

privilege of such occupancy as they require to wind up the affairs of the Northern Bank of

Alabama the said amount of $35000 to be paid in greenbacksrdquo Hard times hit Huntsville for a

brief period during Reconstruction leading to the sale of the Northern Bank of Alabama A

newly chartered bank the National Bank of Huntsville offered to purchase the property for

$30000 The sum was to be paid in three installments the first payment of $10000 to be paid

up-front the second to be paid at the end of the year and the third to be paid two years after the

38

Jones 28 In meeting minutes from the National Bank of Huntsville dated February 4 1874 members noted ldquoSince the last meeting of the board Theophilus Lacy the beloved and worthy cashier of the National Bank of Huntsville died at his residence within these walls on Tuesday night February 10 1874 at the age of 70 years one month 10 days It were vain to attempt to impress in mere words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt grief of each member of this board occasioned by the death of a brother who was a gentle as a little child yet as firm as the solid mountains who was so pure in heart so right-minded in all things so patient and of such lofty rectitudehellip It is becoming to say that his accounts were kept in order and as in this world the balance was always on the right side His survivors have the full assurance that when he is weighed in the scales of eternal justice he will receive the just and righteous manrsquos rewardhelliprdquo

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 12: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

12

Infantry the Illinois 19th

and 24th

Infantry and the Ohio 4th

Cavalry and 18th

Infantry led a

surprise attack on the city and Huntsville yielded to the encroaching Union Army with little

opposition31

One onlooker reported ldquothe clattering noise of the cavalry aroused them from their

slumber in the dawn of the morning and they flocked to door and window exclaiming with

blanched cheek and faltering tongue lsquoThey come They come The Yankees comersquordquo32

The interest of the Union army in Huntsville centered primarily on the capture of the

Huntsville Depot which served the Memphis and Charleston Railroads This particular junction

served as a major supply artery for the Confederate army the capture of which would help to

wound the rebel forces A Nashville newspaper Daily Union further described the situation

This Memphis and Charleston road is the only connection left the rebels between

Louisiana Mississippi and all Alabama west of Pensacola and the Southern

seaboard States Troops can only be sent east from New Orleans Natchez

Vicksburg Jackson Memphis Baton Rouge or Mobile or those points from

Virginia North or South Carolina or Georgia over the Memphis and Charleston

road the only railroad line now connecting the east and west of the rebellion Let

that road be once broken and the Southern Confederacy is cut into as effectually

as if a Chinese wall were built between the Gulf and the seaboard States33

Several buildings and homes in Huntsville were occupied by the Union army and were

used primarily as headquarters and encampments During the Civil War the Northern Bank of

Alabama was used as the commissary for Union troops (See figure 12) Local lore holds that

prior to the Federal occupation of Huntsville the bankrsquos cashier Theophilus Lacy placed the

bankrsquos funds in a burlap bag which he then hid inside one of the fireplace flues behind the

tellersrsquo cage Primary source documentation to support this tale has not been located34

Huntsville because of the Union occupation during the war escaped much of the terrible

destruction inflicted on other southern towns In general the occupation of Huntsville saw little

resistance Several of the pro-Confederate inhabitants did feel the weight of the occupation

however as Mary Jane Chadick a local Huntsville resident outlines in a diary entry dated April

12 1862 ldquoTruly our town is full of the enemy There is a sentinel at every corner Everybody

keeps the front door locked and I make it a point to answer the bell myself not permitting

children or servants to open it They have been searching the houses today for armshellip Servants

31

Deborah Storey Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml (accessed June 17 2015) Alabama Civil War Battles httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26 2015) Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-alabama

32 Martha B Gabel General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical Review

(July 1971) 16 33

Gabel 14 Victoria Cumbow Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11 2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed June 17 2015)

34 Pat Jones The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review (April-July 1975) 26-27

13

Figure 7 Union Occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1864

Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

are giving information of all the

arms and soldiers who have been

concealedrdquo35

Some reprisal from pro-

Confederate bushwhackers did

occur these attacks escalated as

the occupation went on Mitchel

had difficulty maintaining order

throughout his widely spread

troops In a wire sent to

Washington Mitchel stated

ldquoArmed citizens fire into the

trains cut the telegraph wires

attack the guards of bridges cut

off and destroy my couriers

while guerrilla bands of cavalry

attack whenever there is the

slightest chance of successrdquo36

Mitchel attempted to restore order as is revealed in an April 28

1862 diary entry by Mary Jane Chadick that states ldquoGeneral Mitchel has been in a rage all the

week on account of the cutting of the telegraph wires the tearing up of the railroad track firing

into trains and holds the citizens responsible for the same having had 12 of the most prominent

arrestedrdquo General Mitchel and other Union officers took pains to ensure that the homes and

buildings that they occupied among them the Northern Bank building remained intact Only one

building the First Methodist Church on Greene Street was lost during the occupation when it

was accidentally burned down in January 1864 37

From April 11 1862 until the Civil Warrsquos end on April 9 1865 Federal troops occupied

the City of Huntsville By the warrsquos end a semblance of peace was restored to the City as the

Union occupation was lifted

35

Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

36 Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama 37

Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

14

The National Bank of Huntsville (1866-1889)

Figure 8 Photograph of the National Bank Building at Huntsville c 1870

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Pictured in front of

the building is bank cashier Theophilus Lacy Lacy held the position of cashier

of the bank with all of the institutions that occupied it until his death in 187438

During the first year after the war the Northern Bank of Alabama posted the sale of the

bank building for $3500000 ldquoreserving to themselves [existing stockholders] the right or

privilege of such occupancy as they require to wind up the affairs of the Northern Bank of

Alabama the said amount of $35000 to be paid in greenbacksrdquo Hard times hit Huntsville for a

brief period during Reconstruction leading to the sale of the Northern Bank of Alabama A

newly chartered bank the National Bank of Huntsville offered to purchase the property for

$30000 The sum was to be paid in three installments the first payment of $10000 to be paid

up-front the second to be paid at the end of the year and the third to be paid two years after the

38

Jones 28 In meeting minutes from the National Bank of Huntsville dated February 4 1874 members noted ldquoSince the last meeting of the board Theophilus Lacy the beloved and worthy cashier of the National Bank of Huntsville died at his residence within these walls on Tuesday night February 10 1874 at the age of 70 years one month 10 days It were vain to attempt to impress in mere words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt grief of each member of this board occasioned by the death of a brother who was a gentle as a little child yet as firm as the solid mountains who was so pure in heart so right-minded in all things so patient and of such lofty rectitudehellip It is becoming to say that his accounts were kept in order and as in this world the balance was always on the right side His survivors have the full assurance that when he is weighed in the scales of eternal justice he will receive the just and righteous manrsquos rewardhelliprdquo

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 13: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

13

Figure 7 Union Occupation of the Northern Bank of Alabama c 1864

Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

are giving information of all the

arms and soldiers who have been

concealedrdquo35

Some reprisal from pro-

Confederate bushwhackers did

occur these attacks escalated as

the occupation went on Mitchel

had difficulty maintaining order

throughout his widely spread

troops In a wire sent to

Washington Mitchel stated

ldquoArmed citizens fire into the

trains cut the telegraph wires

attack the guards of bridges cut

off and destroy my couriers

while guerrilla bands of cavalry

attack whenever there is the

slightest chance of successrdquo36

Mitchel attempted to restore order as is revealed in an April 28

1862 diary entry by Mary Jane Chadick that states ldquoGeneral Mitchel has been in a rage all the

week on account of the cutting of the telegraph wires the tearing up of the railroad track firing

into trains and holds the citizens responsible for the same having had 12 of the most prominent

arrestedrdquo General Mitchel and other Union officers took pains to ensure that the homes and

buildings that they occupied among them the Northern Bank building remained intact Only one

building the First Methodist Church on Greene Street was lost during the occupation when it

was accidentally burned down in January 1864 37

From April 11 1862 until the Civil Warrsquos end on April 9 1865 Federal troops occupied

the City of Huntsville By the warrsquos end a semblance of peace was restored to the City as the

Union occupation was lifted

35

Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

36 Polites httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama 37

Storey httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

14

The National Bank of Huntsville (1866-1889)

Figure 8 Photograph of the National Bank Building at Huntsville c 1870

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Pictured in front of

the building is bank cashier Theophilus Lacy Lacy held the position of cashier

of the bank with all of the institutions that occupied it until his death in 187438

During the first year after the war the Northern Bank of Alabama posted the sale of the

bank building for $3500000 ldquoreserving to themselves [existing stockholders] the right or

privilege of such occupancy as they require to wind up the affairs of the Northern Bank of

Alabama the said amount of $35000 to be paid in greenbacksrdquo Hard times hit Huntsville for a

brief period during Reconstruction leading to the sale of the Northern Bank of Alabama A

newly chartered bank the National Bank of Huntsville offered to purchase the property for

$30000 The sum was to be paid in three installments the first payment of $10000 to be paid

up-front the second to be paid at the end of the year and the third to be paid two years after the

38

Jones 28 In meeting minutes from the National Bank of Huntsville dated February 4 1874 members noted ldquoSince the last meeting of the board Theophilus Lacy the beloved and worthy cashier of the National Bank of Huntsville died at his residence within these walls on Tuesday night February 10 1874 at the age of 70 years one month 10 days It were vain to attempt to impress in mere words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt grief of each member of this board occasioned by the death of a brother who was a gentle as a little child yet as firm as the solid mountains who was so pure in heart so right-minded in all things so patient and of such lofty rectitudehellip It is becoming to say that his accounts were kept in order and as in this world the balance was always on the right side His survivors have the full assurance that when he is weighed in the scales of eternal justice he will receive the just and righteous manrsquos rewardhelliprdquo

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 14: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

14

The National Bank of Huntsville (1866-1889)

Figure 8 Photograph of the National Bank Building at Huntsville c 1870

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Pictured in front of

the building is bank cashier Theophilus Lacy Lacy held the position of cashier

of the bank with all of the institutions that occupied it until his death in 187438

During the first year after the war the Northern Bank of Alabama posted the sale of the

bank building for $3500000 ldquoreserving to themselves [existing stockholders] the right or

privilege of such occupancy as they require to wind up the affairs of the Northern Bank of

Alabama the said amount of $35000 to be paid in greenbacksrdquo Hard times hit Huntsville for a

brief period during Reconstruction leading to the sale of the Northern Bank of Alabama A

newly chartered bank the National Bank of Huntsville offered to purchase the property for

$30000 The sum was to be paid in three installments the first payment of $10000 to be paid

up-front the second to be paid at the end of the year and the third to be paid two years after the

38

Jones 28 In meeting minutes from the National Bank of Huntsville dated February 4 1874 members noted ldquoSince the last meeting of the board Theophilus Lacy the beloved and worthy cashier of the National Bank of Huntsville died at his residence within these walls on Tuesday night February 10 1874 at the age of 70 years one month 10 days It were vain to attempt to impress in mere words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt grief of each member of this board occasioned by the death of a brother who was a gentle as a little child yet as firm as the solid mountains who was so pure in heart so right-minded in all things so patient and of such lofty rectitudehellip It is becoming to say that his accounts were kept in order and as in this world the balance was always on the right side His survivors have the full assurance that when he is weighed in the scales of eternal justice he will receive the just and righteous manrsquos rewardhelliprdquo

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 15: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

15

execution of the deed Stockholders of the

Northern Bank of Alabama turned down the

offer and the National Bank of Huntsville

began renting the property for $100 per month

instead39

The National Bank of Huntsville was

chartered five months after the end of the Civil

War on September 15 1865 According to

bank financial statements the National Bank of

Huntsville began renting the bank building on

October 1 1865 In a financial statement dated

March of 1866 $300 was paid for renting of

ldquobanking roomsrdquo from October 1- December

31 1865 and $500 was paid for renting the

building from January 1 to March 31 186640

The bank officially opened for business on

October 5 186541

A board meeting held January 4 1867

the National Bank board resolved

That the president of this bank is hereby authorized and required to consummate

with the Northern Bank of Alabama the purchase of its banking house and lot of

land upon which it is situated upon the terms agreed upon between the

contracting parties on January 1 1867 namely as soon as the Northern Bank of

Alabama executes and delivers to this bank a fee simple deed with general

warranty to the property so purchased42

The same day that this resolution was passed the Northern Bank of Alabama at Huntsville

sold the bank building and property to the National Bank of Huntsville for the sum of

$30000

39

Jones 27 Sarah Etheline Bounds Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-1869 The Huntsville Historical Review (October 1973) 3-23

40

Jones 27

41 Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History (Huntsville The First National Bank 1967) 4

42

Jones 28

Figure 9 Advertisement for the National Bank of

Huntsville published in the December 21 1866

addition of the Huntsville Advocate Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 16: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

16

Figure 10 Circa 1908 postcard of cotton season on Westside

Square Image courtesy of the Huntsville History Collection

Although Huntsville

experienced a slight depression

in the post-Civil War

Reconstruction years by the

1880s and 90s Huntsville

experienced tremendous growth

due to the establishment of the

cotton mill industry ldquoTo

emerge from the mire of

Reconstruction Southerners in

the 1880rsquos began to rally around

the cry lsquobring the cotton mills to

the cotton fieldsrsquordquo Due in large

part to the enterprising assistance

of men like Michael and James

OrsquoShaughnessy Tracy Pratt

William Wells and Willard

Wellman Huntsville was able to quickly establish itself as a major milling town The National

Bank of Huntsville along with the cotton mills prospered during the late 19th

and early 20th

century For a span of more than 23 years the National Bank of Huntsville thrived43

Figure 11 Circa 1880 photograph of the National Bank of Huntsville

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

43Patricia H Ryan Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review (Spring-Fall 1985) 27-28 Greg Schmidt

Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009 httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015) Yesterday amp Today 4

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 17: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

17

The First National Bank (1889-1971)

Figure 12 Advertisement for the First National Bank

Image courtesy of the Bank File Folder at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

On July 3 1889 leadership at the National Bank chartered the First National Bank

ldquoorganized for the purpose of taking over the business of the National Bank of Huntsvillerdquo44

In

a deed dated July 5 1889 the National Bank of Huntsville sold the bank house and property to

the First National Bank for the sum of $2000045

It was under the management of the First

National Bank that the bank building underwent several changes Whether these changes were a

product of prosperous times or changes in architectural trends (or both) remains unclear The

below photographic timeline and accompanying notations depict the transformation of the

building during the early 20th

century

44

Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History (Huntsville 1951) 11

45

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book RRR (Huntsville July 5 1889) 433 Yesterday amp Today 4-5 The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 11

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 18: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

18

Figure 13 Image of Madison Riflemen prior to the Spanish American War c 1889 when the bank was still under

the National Bank of Huntsville By c 1889 the bank building retained its original appearance46

Figure 14 Circa 1889 photograph of the First National Bank Building

Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

By c 1889 the building still retained its original appearance

46

Yesterday ampToday 5

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 19: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

19

Figure 15 By c 1900 the First National Bank had JF Hummel amp Sons cut in two doors with transoms on the first

floor47

Two windows flanking a central entry door were added on the second floor a second floor balcony with

wrought iron railing with a central partition was installed and a sign hung from the two center columns Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

47

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville 2

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 20: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

20

Figure 16 By c 1925 the bank added a large sign in the entablature of the building two signs were added to the

outside columns the central sign spanning the center columns was removed and a plaque added to the right of the

main entry doors Photograph courtesy of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Great Depression

The time of prosperity brought on by the milling industry in Huntsville spurred on

progress in Huntsville for a time By 1930 however the whole of the nation had succumbed to

the trauma inflicted by the Great Depression While Huntsville did experience several hardships

including business failures and high rates of personal bankruptcy the city was spared from many

of the difficulties of the Depression 48

In the early years of the Depression Era Huntsville sustained itself through the milling

industry Many of the local mills continued operating providing Huntsvillians with more than

4000 jobs The milling industry proved to be unstable however facing labor unrest strikes and

walkouts Labor struggles would prove to be a continued issue into the late 1930s49

Added assistance from later New Deal initiatives also helped to support Huntsville during

the Great Depression The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded several projects in

48

Bob Adams 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G Pruitt 146 (Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005) 146

49 Ibid

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 21: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

21

Huntsville including the construction of a curb market on Gallatin Street in 1935 and East

Clinton Grammar School in 193850

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was constructed

on McClung Street in 193551

One of the most important contributions of the New Deal to the

city of Huntsville was the large scale documentation of several of Huntsvillersquos iconic historic

buildings by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) HABS reports were completed for

the Weeden House the LeRoy Pope mansion the third county courthouse and the National

Bank building among others52

The HABS report compiled in 1934 gave the first in-depth look at the First National

Bank building The report includes detailed plans photographs and written historical and

descriptive data that help observers better understand the layout of the building and how it has

changed since the 1930s

50

Adams 152-154 51

Adams 151 52

E Walter Burkhardt First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burhardt Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015) E Walter Burkhardt Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933 httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 22: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

22

Figure 17 First National Bank building 1934 Note the addition of large sign in the entablature of the building

two signs located on the outside columns two half-light wood panel doors with a single light transom a second

floor balcony with wrought iron railing two second story windows a central second story door and a balcony

partition Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 23: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

23

Figure 18 View of the back of the bank from Big Springs Park 1934 Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 24: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

24

Figure 19 South side of the bank building Note the use of five-over-two double-hung windows on the former slave

quarters c 1930 Note also the existence of barred vents and wood entry door to the holding cells on the former

slave quarters The main building features six-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor of the main

building (c 1930) and six-over-six double-hung windows on the first floor of the main building (c 1838) The

stairwell on the south elevation is still open enclosed c 1951 The second floor loggia on the former slave quarters

has been filled in date of enclosure unknown Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 25: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

25

Figure 20 Image of the north side of the former slave quarters The two story former slave quarters feature a two

story loggia supported by Doric order columns The first floor has five wood panel entry doors with transoms A

semi-open stairwell located at the west end of the building leads to the second floor The second floor loggia has

infill composed of seven sets of two six-light windows with bead board above in between each Doric column A

simple square balustrade and railing runs the full length of the loggia date of infill unknown An open breezeway

on the east side of the building leads to the main bank building Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 26: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

26

Figure 21 Photograph of the bank building vestibule added c 1900 Two wood panel entry doors with transoms

were added to the north and south sides of the vestibule c 1900 The interior doors correspond with the addition of

the half-light wood doors and transoms on the buildingrsquos faccedilade at the turn of the century A set of half-light wood

panel doors lead to the interior of the bank building The vestibule features large crown molding fluted pilasters

and tile flooring Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 27: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

27

Figure 22 Image of the interior of the south front office and mantel The south front office features plaster walls

with a central neoclassical mantel (c 1900) and wide plank wood flooring The wood mantel is composed of a wide

molded mantel shelf atop a molded under-mantel a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box The

fireplace surround and hearth are clad in tile and a small wrought iron firebox and grate can be seen c 1900 This

mantel is still intact today A wood panel door with bullseye corner blocks and fluted door surround to the left of the

fireplace leads into public space of the bank A large built-in with glass doors is located to the right of the fireplace

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 28: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

28

Figure 23 View towards the northwest corner of the bank The public space and work space of the bank building

features three member crown molding plaster walls six-over-six double-hung windows and tile floors The

windows feature bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window

jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen separates the work

space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany features molded cornices and entablatures atop

smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space

between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank

screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 29: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

29

Figure 24 View of the public space window on the south wall The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up

flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath

each window match the appearance of the folding shutters A large bank screen the corner of which can be seen in

the right side of the frame separates the work space from the public space The bank screen built in mahogany

features molded cornices and entablatures atop smooth shaft Ionic columns A total of 12 columns support the

entablatures Mahogany chair rails fill the space between each column Five brass latus cashiers windows are

evenly spaced along the bank screen The entire bank screen is capped by brass arrow shaped crockets Image

courtesy of the Library of Congress

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 30: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

30

Figure 25 First and second floor floor plans for the bank building Note the second floor is no longer extant aside

from the front bedrooms Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 31: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

31

Figure 26 Holding cell basement first floor and second floor floor plans for the bank former slave quarters

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

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httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 32: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

32

Figure 27 Front elevation Note the second floor balcony and second floor door (added c 1900) no longer extant

South open air stairwell in elevation is now enclosed Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 33: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

33

Figure 28 Side and rear elevations and sections Major changes to the building include the removal of the second

floor in 1951 the infill and expansion of the former slave quarters and loggia in 1951 and 1967 removal of the bank

screen alteration of the north front office removal of the balcony removal of vents and Fountain Row entry door on

the former slave quarters and the infill of the exterior stairs and breezeway Note on the Southeast elevation the

presences of two wood panel doors on the first floor of the main bank building no longer extant

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 34: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

34

Figure 29 Details of interior and exterior architectural elements Image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Observations

Stylistic evidence of remaining material (molding doors and windows) and examination

of historic images of the building point to major alterations to the bank at the turn of the century

Two offices were added to the north and south side of the front of the bank building and a

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 35: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

35

vestibule added in between the offices behind the main entry door Two half-light wood panel

doors with transoms were added on the faccedilade and serve as entrances for each office Two more

wood panel doors leading to the front offices were added to the vestibule area Two doors were

cut into the south elevation A wood panel door with three-light transom located on the fourth

bay and a pair of wood panel doors with a three-light transom on the sixth bay were added to the

main bank building Photographs from the turn of the century show the addition the second floor

balcony windows and doors on the faccedilade of the building The appearance style and material

used on the bank screen (especially when compared to the mantel in the front office) suggest that

it was a turn of the century addition as well Molding remnants in the two remaining upper

rooms coupled with an existing interior door suggest that major interior renovations were

completed in c 1900

World War II and the Redstone Arsenal (1941-1950)

Figure 30 Image of local troops in formation in front of the bank building during WWII Note that the balcony is

still intact in 1942 Balcony may have been removed during building renovations in 1951 Image taken from 1951

renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

The entry of the United States into the World War II conflict in December of 1941

marked the beginning of a new era of progress in the city of Huntsville In July 1941 Huntsville

established the Huntsville Arsenal a $40 million chemical war plant The establishment of the

Huntsville Arsenal and the presence of the US military in the Huntsville would impact the city

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 36: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

36

for decades to come53

In October 1941 the army broke ground on a second facility the Redstone Ordinance

Plant meant for the manufacture of shells grenades and explosives By February 1943 the

second Redstone Ordinance Plant became the Redstone Arsenal The South Bombing Range a

third military facility became operational in May 1943 This military complex spurred the fast

pace growth of the cityrsquos population54

Beyond intensive population growth the establishment of the Arsenal helped to boost the

local economy By the Wars end in the fall of 1945 however the plants closed By 1947 the

Huntsville Arsenal was considered military surplus and was posted for sale Fearing the collapse

of Huntsvillersquos economy with the closure of the Arsenal US Senator John Sparkman worked

with White House administration and the military to develop a new use for the Redstone Arsenal

Sparkmanrsquos efforts proved fruitful and in October 1949 the army moved its Ordnance Research

and Development Division Sub-Office for Rockets from Fort Bliss Texas to Huntsville55

The Arsenal in Huntsville helped to usher the United States into the space age in the

1950s when a team of German scientists led by Wernher von Braun arrived in Huntsville The

innovations introduced by the team of scientists and the prosperity that those advances cultivated

within Huntsvillersquos economy launched a sharp growth in Huntsvillersquos population In a span of

10 years the population more than quadrupled jumping from 16000 residents to 72000

residents in the decade of the 1950s56

The Redstone Arsenal was further expanded in 1955

when the missile testing program was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

California to Huntsville By 1956 the Redstone Arsenal had transformed itself into the nationrsquos

major center for rocket science and experimentation helping to marshal in a new dawn for

Huntsville development57

53

Carroll Van West Old Town National Register Nomination (Huntsville National Park Service 2010) section 8 pages 73-74

54 Ibid

55

West section 8 page 74 56

Linda Bayer and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey 1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review (Summer-Fall 1993) 3

57 West section 8 page 74

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 37: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

37

Huntsvillersquos Population Growth58

Year Acers Change Population Change Acre

1860 640 - 3634 - 57

1870 2560 300 4907 35 19

1880 1440 -44 4977 14 35

1890 1440 0 7995 606 55

1900 1440 0 8068 09 56

1910 1440 0 7611 -57 53

1920 1440 0 8018 53 56

1930 1548 75 11554 441 75

1940 1548 0 13050 129 84

1950 2728 762 16437 260 60

1960 32659 10972 72365 3403 22

1970 69290 1122 139282 925 20

1980 72557 47 142513 23 20

1990 103171 422 159789 121 15

58

Bayer and Paetz 6

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 38: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

38

The Space Age (1957-1966)

Figure 31 Naturalization ceremony for the German rocket scientists on November 11 1954 Left to right Walter

Wiesman Robert Searcy (child possibly Mike Wiesman) Eberhard Rees Hoffman Birney Gerd DeBeek Magnus

von Braun Otto Eisenhardt Hilde von Braun Inge Dannenberg Sergeant Appler Konrad Dannenberg Dr JB

Tschinkel Pastor George F Hart of St Markrsquos Evangelical Lutheran Church and Dr Martin Schilling Image

courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville officially entered the Space Age in November of 1957 after President Dwight

Eisenhower ordered the launch of the nationrsquos first satellite into space The Army Ballistic

Missile Agency and Jet Propulsion Laboratory played an instrumental role in the development of

the Jupiter C rocket which was launched by the army at Cape Canaveral Florida on January 31

1958 By March 1959 the US Army Ordinance and Missile Command formed its headquarters

at the Arsenal This program oversaw the armyrsquos Advanced Research Projects Agency part of

the militaryrsquos outer space program59

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) allocated part of the

Redstone airfield to the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 This center was part of the

nationrsquos manned space program administered by von Braun The Marshall Center sustained

more than 1000 on site contractors and over 5000 civilian employees helping to transform the

predominantly agrarian town into a more diverse and technically driven city The capstone of

this transformation was the jump in the average personal income which surpassed the per capita

59

Ibid

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 39: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

39

income of the rest of Alabama by 20 percent in 196660

Urban Renewal (1951-1967)

Figure 32 Image of ldquoCotton Rowrdquo in 1962 after the 1914 Madison County Courthouse was torn down

The removal of the third county courthouse was one of many of the projects completed by the Central City Urban

Renewal Program Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

With the transformation of the cityrsquos economy came the transformation of the cityrsquos

landscape Urban Renewal spurred on by Huntsvillersquos desire to become more advanced helped

to reshape the downtown square Huntsville demolished many of its historic downtown

buildings to make way for modern architecture most notably the removal of the third county

courthouse and cotton row While the First National Bank building was spared complete

demolition it did not fully escape the clutches of renewal The bank building then became a

canvas on which the First National Bank could draw the story of Huntsvillersquos new found

prosperity

60

West section 8 page 75

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 40: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

40

Figure 33 1951 image of the First National Bank building Note the removal of the second story balcony and the

alterations of the second story apertures Image taken from 1951 renovation booklet entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 courtesy of Henry Turner

In a 1951 pamphlet produced by the First National Bank entitled The First National Bank

Building 1835-1951 bank managers highlight the changes that had taken place in the newly

remodeled building stating

The old vault has been torn away and a new one built at the rear of the enlarged

banking room this embodying all modern safeguards for the protection of the

funds and valuables of the bank and its customers

This old building was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation The

heavy timbers were of poplar The door and window jambs were of red cedar as

were the lintels and the columns and floors of the verandas in the rear There

were found to be as sound as when installed and wherever possible have been

retained for they are far superior to anything available today

That the laborers builded [sic] even better than they knew is attested by the

complete soundness of the timbers removed when the floors and second story

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 41: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

41

were torn away and by the cunning and ingenuity with which these heavy timers

were mortised keyed and locked into the structure It is evident that they were

artisans of the highest order for these timbers cut and fitted with amazing

exactness identify them as highly skilled workmen proud of their ability

It is interesting to note that when the second floor was torn away a layer of saw

dust was found between it and the ceiling below an early attempt to provide

soundproofing and insulation

Another interesting relic of other days was unearthed when excavating for the

foundation of the extension to the rear of the building A section of cedar

waterpipe [sic] was found this evidently a part of a lateral line from the main

designed to convey water to the bank premises

In the servantsrsquo quarters on the third floor of the extension is the new directors

room and when in the course of remodeling the floors were torn away there was

found a brick floor laid over a bed of rubble more than three feet thick This was

the kitchen floor of days gone by and the chimney in this room was of very

unusual proportions about eight feet wide and fully as deephellip

The building no longer old save in years has seen three-fourths of American

history in the making and now it faces the years ahead during which more

history is to be made in what is our fervent hope expectation and conviction The

Best American Tradition61

As the above excerpt implies the 1950s saw great change to this building The alterations

included the removal of the original vault the removal of the second story living quarters to

make way for a single story bank lobby the addition of modern interior materials including

marble removal of the second story door and addition of a center window removal of the

second story balcony addition of a ramp and side entry to the lobby on the north wall and the

installation of two teller windows on the south wall of the former slave quarters in the area that

was once the holding cells The excerpt also reveals much about the construction methods

employed during the construction of the original structure The document highlights the use of

poplar timbers held together by pegged mortis and tennon joints and the use of red cedar for the

door and window jambs The booklet also identifies archeological evidence of a cedar waterline

and an earlier kitchen at the back of the building in the former slave quarters providing further

insights into the evolution of the building

In a newspaper article from 1958 Elliot Wright states ldquoThe Interior was remodeled in

1951 to improve banking facilities Fortunately the renovations destroyed little of the beauty of

the place Today the blast of test rockets not rifles resounds through the valley residents come

by car not wagon and Alabamarsquos Marble Palace still gleams in the southern sunrdquo this article

further outlines the tenor of the day towards modern renovations to historic buildings62

The

61

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 13

62 Elliot Wright Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 42: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

42

publicrsquos views on renovation changed little as the centuryrsquos progress pressed onward By 1967

the bank experienced a second wave of renovations

Figure 34 Clip from a Huntsville Times article dated September 18 1966 The image is a rendering of the

proposed renovations Image courtesy of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library63

The First National Bank building high on its limestone bluff above Huntsvillersquos

historic Big Spring stands proud in changing and unfamiliar surroundings It is a

handsome reflection of the past in the center of one of our countryrsquos most

ambitious urban redevelopment programs The Central City Plan It faces the

dramatic new Madison County Courthouse as it faced the three generations of

63

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times (Huntsville September 18 1966) The accompanying article reads ldquoThe main office of the First National Bank of Huntsville last remaining building on the old Cotton Row on the Courthouse Square will be extensively remodeled and enlarged at the cost of between $20000 and $250000 Robert Lowry Bank president announced Friday The construction and remodeling will meet requirements of the Central City urban renewal program said Bill King executive director of the Central City Association An executive office are will be constructed on the bankrsquos left side and will overlook Big Spring International Park King said He said the building will retain its old massive character Architect for the project is Reed Mullins and Associates The construction contract will be based on two work shifts a day six days a week in order to expedite completion Included in the interior remodeling will be the moving of bank offices into the center of the lobby An equipment building will be built in the rear The bankrsquos trust department will be located on a mezzanine and elevators will be installed for customers Existing marble will be removed and used in the new interior remodelingrdquo

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 43: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

43

courthouses before Cotton Row its comfortable neighboring row of buildings is

gone Around it are rising multi-storied parking structures and high rise office

buildings64

The poignant remarks made by the bankrsquos officers and directors in the above excerpt

taken from a booklet entitled Yesterday and Today produced in 1967 highlights the struggle that

many Huntsvillians were grappling with in the face of extreme change While board members

identify the significance of the loss of several of Huntsvillersquos historic buildings and the

importance of maintaining the First National Bank building they did not fully grasp the

importance of preserving both the exterior and interior of the building The bank officers and

directors of 1966 and 67 like those in charge of the 1951 remodel shared a similar purpose for

renovation and that was ldquooutwardly to retain all of the old inwardly to make our banking house

as convenient as comfortable and as modern as present day methods would permitrdquo65

The

bankrsquos purpose for remodeling can be directly correlated with the continued growth of the cityrsquos

population as board members commented

It is ironic that on the opening in 1951 the bankrsquos personnel felt that the renovated

bank would serve them and the general public for seventy-five to one hundred

years How little could be foreseen at that time of the tremendous change to

come in this quiet little southern town from the arrival in 1950 of an extremely

important group of German scientists whose accomplishments and tentative

beginnings at Peenemunde were to transform not only Huntsville but the entire

worldhellip As a result of the consequent influx of people and accelerated economic

growth in Huntsville the facilities of a single bank house were no longer

adequate 66

64

Yesterday and Today 1 65

Ibid 66

Yesterday and Today 1-2

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 44: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

44

Figure 35 Image of bank members discussing plans during the remodeling of the interior in the Spring of 1967

Image taken from booklet Yesterday and Today courtesy of Henry Turner

The booklet goes into detail of the renovations that occurred to the building in 1967

stating

Today after thoughtful remodeling with the aim of retaining as much as possible

the original structure the handsome limestone faccedilade encloses a completely

modern banking house tastefully redecorated throughout Private executive

offices have been added to the north wall of the lobby eliminating First Nationalrsquos

former unique arrangement where officers actually received customers behind the

tellerrsquos cages An entrance to the lobby on the south has been added for relief of

traffic and for the convenience of customershellip An elevator now ascends to the

second floor where only the balcony remains today of the original second floor

apartments living quarters for the cashier who was once required by law to reside

on the premises The apartment was removed to create a lofty spacious banking

lobby The balcony will now serve as a reception room for the Trust Department

which together with the personnel and internal auditing departments will be

located in the second floor extension to the rear of the building originally

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

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1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

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Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

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Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

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nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

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Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 45: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

45

servantrsquos quarters67

The renovation work that took place in 1966 and 1967 was designed by Reed Mullins

and Associates and was constructed by General Contractors of Decatur Aside from

constructing the one story executive offices on the north side of the building the installation of

an elevator the addition of a customer entrance on the south wall and the removal of the

mahogany teller cages the bank also rearranged the bank lobby reusing the marble added in

1951 expanded the back of the structure enclosed an exterior stairwell on the south side of the

building and erected the weathervane formerly located on the cupola of the third Madison

County courthouse68

In 2017 the 1967 renovations will have aged into significance To say that these

alterations are not important would be misguided for they are threads of the history of change

that has occurred to this building representative of an era of tremendous transformation in

Huntsville and are therefore woven into the fabric of the bank buildingrsquos history

After the 1967 renovations the bank changed very little Since the ownership of the First

National Bank the bank building changed names four times In 1971 the bank became the First

Alabama Bancshares Inc after the First National Bank of Huntsville the First National Bank of

Montgomery and the Exchange Security Bank of Birmingham partnered to form the new bank

corporation By 1994 Alabama Bancshares Inc became Regions Financial Corporation In

2010 Regions Financial Corporation donated the bank property to Big Spring Partners and in

2014 a lease agreement between Big Spring Partners and Robert Broadway was created69

Since its construction in the early half of the 19th

century the First National Bank

building has seen many changes to itself and its city This building has witnessed and endured

many of the same struggles and successes experienced by the city state and country as a whole

for more than 175 years The building as ever remains a vital part of historic downtown

Huntsville representing both traditional significance and modern progress a bastion of

Huntsville history

67

Yesterday and Today 7-8

68 Bayer Brief History 2 BJ Richey First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

69

Bayer Brief History 2

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 46: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

46

Bibliography

1837 The Hard Times Harvard Business School Historical Collections 2012

httpwwwlibraryhbseduhccrises1837html (accessed May 11 2015)

Adams Bob 1930-1939 The Great Depression In Eden of the South edited by Ranee G

Pruitt 146 Huntsville Huntsville-Madison County Public Library 2005

Alabama Civil War Battles nd httpwwwnpsgovcivilwaralabamahtm (accessed June 26

2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Lacy in the 1920 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1920usfedcenamph=104557265ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t668858

73_p36166162672_kpidz0q3d36166162672z0q26aidz0q3d323322458271z0q26pgz0q3d

32771z0q26pgplz0q3dpidz0q257caid (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Evelyn Kelly in the US Find a Grave Index 1600-Current August 1984

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=FindAGraveUSamph=90070125ampindiv=tryampo_vc=RecordOtherRecordampti

d=66885873amppid=36166162672amprhSource=6061 (accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Maud Mclure Kelly in the 1940 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-binssedllgss=angs-

gampnew=1amprank=1ampmsT=1ampgsfn=Maud+McClureampgsln=Kellyampmswpn__ftp=Birming

ham2c+Jefferson2c+Alabama2c+USAampmswpn=26571ampmswpn_PInfo=8-

|0|1652393|0|2|3246|3|0|1498|26571|0|ampMSAV=0ampmsbdy=1888ampcp=0ampcatbucket=rst

(accessed May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George Steele in the Alabama Marriages to 1825 December 24 1823

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=eamalamph=4059ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p1956569

65_kpidz0q3d195656965z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed May 07

2015)

Ancestrycom Capt George Steele in the Web Alabama Huntsville-Madison County Public

Library Obituary Index 1819-2006 October 31 1855 httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=WebSearch-

4179amph=109634ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t12422001_p-

264879464_kpidz0q3d-264879464z0q26pgz0q3d32770z0q26pgplz0q3dpid (accessed

May 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mathew W Steel in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryampindiv=tryamph=19039600 (accessed 05 07 2015)

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 47: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

47

Ancestrycom John F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038877ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203660179_kpidz0q3d203660179z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom George G Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038878ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p203668372_kpidz0q3d203668372z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Salley F Steele in the 1850 United States Federal Census nd

httpsearchancestrycomcgi-

binssedlldb=1850usfedcenancestryamph=19038880ampti=0ampindiv=tryampgss=ptampssrc=pt_t

12422001_p204038003_kpidz0q3d204038003z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgplz0q3dpid

(accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Mary Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204118684 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Ellen Elizabeth Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204120219 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom William Angelo Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204148183 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Ancestrycom Susan Eliza Steele Jones Family Tree nd

httptreesancestrycomtree12422001person204367766 (accessed 05 07 2015)

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Brief History Huntsville

nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Bank Building 216 West Side Square Huntsville AL Brief

Hisotry nd

Bayer Linda George Steele Huntsvilles Antebellum Architect The Historic Huntsville

Quarterly Of Local Architecture and Preservation Spring 1979 3-22

Bayer Linda and Juergen Paetz How Huntsville GrewBoundary and Annexation Survey

1810-1993 The Huntsville Historical Review Summer-Fall 1993

Bounds Sarah Etheline Reconstruction in Huntsville and Madison County Alabama 1865-

1869 The Huntsville Historical Review October 1973 3-23

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 48: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

48

Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama- Huntsville 1st October 1835 Southern

Advocate Vol XI no 40 Huntsville January 26 1836

Brantley William H Banking In Alabama 1916-1860 Vol Vol I Private Publisher 1961

Burkhardt E Walter First National Bank Jefferson Street amp Fountain Row Huntsville

Madison County AL Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1934

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0351 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Miss Howard Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

wwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0363 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Old Madison County Court House Court Square Huntsville Madison County AL

Library of Congress-Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0352 (accessed July 2 2015)

mdash Pope-Spragins House 407 Echols Avenue Huntsville Madison County AL Liberary of

Congress- Historic American Buildings Survey 1933

httpwwwlocgovpicturescollectionhhitemal0359 (accessed July 2 2015)

Clay CC comp A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama Alabama Marmaduke J

Slade 1843

Cumbow Victoria Huntsvilles Civil War history shown through diaries and letters April 11

2011 httpblogalcombreaking201104huntsvilles_civil_war_historyhtml (accessed

June 17 2015)

Daniel B Turner and Wife Susan D Turner to Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 3 1837

First National Slates Remodeling Additions The Huntsville Times Huntsville September 18

1966

Gabel Martha B General OM Mitchels Occupation of Huntsville The Huntsville Historical

Review 1971 12-28

Henry F Halsey and Wife to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville

October 25 1854

Henry Stokes and Wife Harriet D Stokes to the Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama at

Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 24 1837

Henry T Duncan and Wife Eliza Pyke Duncan to the Branch of the Bank of the State of

Alabama at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville December 4 1837

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 49: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

49

John Whiting Commissioner and Trustee Deed of Conveyance to Stephen S Ewing Deed

Book BB Huntsville July 10 1857

Jones Pat The First National Bank The Huntsville Historical Review April-July 1975 3-30

Lowe BM Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama Huntsville The Democrat October

1837 1

Meek Alexander B comp Supplement Aikins Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama

Alabama White amp Snow 1841

Polites Taylor M The Bloody Occupation of Northern Alabama February 28 2013

httpopinionatorblogsnytimescom20130228the-bloody-occupation-of-northern-

alabama (accessed June 17 2015)

Richey BJ First National Holds to Tradition Huntsville Times April 30 1967

Ryan Patricia H Tracy Pratt The Huntsville Historical Review Spring-Fall 1985

Schmidt Greg Huntsville Encyclopedia of Alabama November 30 2009

httpwwwencyclopediaofalabamaorgarticleh-2498 (accessed June 30 2015)

Stephen S Ewing and Wife Polly H Ewing to The Branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama

at Huntsville Deed Book Q Huntsville March 15 1837

Storey Deborah Civil War 150th aniversary of the Union occupation of Huntsville April 15

2012 httpblogalcombreaking201204the_civil_war_union_occupationhtml

(accessed June 17 2015)

The First National Bank Building 1835-1951 Brief History Huntsville 1951

The National Bank of Huntsville to Deed The First National Bank of Huntsville Deed Book

RRR Huntsville July 5 1889

The State of Alabama to Deed Northern Bank of Alabama Deed Book Z Huntsville October

14 1854

Vaughn F Charles Jr George Steele Architect and Builder of the Nineteenth Century The

Huntsville Historical Review (The Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society) 13 no

1amp2 (Jan-April 1983) 3-24

West Carroll Van Old Town National Register Nomination Huntsville National Park

Service 2010

Wright Elliot Huntsvilles Marble Palace The Birmingham News June 05 1958

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 50: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

50

Yesterday amp Today The First National Bank Brief History Huntsville The First National Bank

1967

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 51: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

51

EXHIBIT C

DESCRIPTION OF ELEVATIONS AND CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Figure 36 First National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

The First National Bank building is a two story Greek Revival building designed and

built c 1838-1840 by architect George Gilliam Steele The bank is temple like in appearance

and features a low pitch raised seam metal gable roof supported by Ionic order limestone

columns atop a continuous limestone foundation A copula and weather vane originally located

on the third county courthouse (1914-1963) was added after the courthouse was demolished

The symmetrical front faccedilade features a centrally located set of wood pocket entry doors (c

1838) leading into a small vestibule with a second set of glass security doors (c 2000) The

central entrance is flanked on either side by smaller wood panel entry doors with four light

transoms over top (1900) Three five-over-two double-hung windows (1900 installation date on

the north and south windows 1951 installation date on the center window) can be seen on the

upper enclosed mezzanine story The bank building faccedilade is clad in limestone blocks while the

other three elevations are covered in stucco Limestone steps extend across the front faccedilade and

a decorative wrought iron fence surrounds the property on the north and south side of the

building and date to the buildings original construction Two retaining walls on the south side of

the building and on the north side of the building overlooking the bluff date to the buildingrsquos

original construction An early flagstone court yard can be seen on the north side of the

building

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 52: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

52

Figure 37 North elevation showing office addition 1967 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 38 South elevation showing retaining wall and fence c 1838 Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 53: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

53

A single story stucco office wing addition on the north side of the building was

constructed in 1967 and features a flat roof a wood panel entry door and pilasters The north

side of the office addition features three five-over-two double-hung windows with stone lintels

and sills The north elevation of the main bank building features six five-over-two double-hung

clerestory windows with stone lintels and sills The south elevation has six six-over-six double-

hung ground floor windows and six five-over-two clerestory windows with stone lintels and

sills

Figure 39 South elevation of the rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

A large three-story wing located on the west side of the building once served as the slave

quarters and features a flat roof and stucco siding atop a limestone block foundation The west

elevation features a teller window (1951) on the basement level four six-over-six double-hung

windows on the first floor and four five-over-two double-hung windows on the second floor

(windows feature stone lintels and sills) A breezeway and open stair well that connected the

rear wing to the main bank building was enclosed in 1951 Additionally a small stairwell

addition to the west side of the wing was constructed in 1951 The west elevation of the rear

wing features a limestone exterior stairwell (1951) with a pair of metal exterior doors leading

into the basement level (c 2000) A single metal door located at the top of the limestone stairs

leads to the first floor (c 2000) and is flanked on the left by a fixed two light window (c 2000)

The north elevation of the rear wing once served as a two-story porch for the rear wing but was

enclosed in 1951 The north elevation now features a pair of two light fixed windows on the first

and second floors and a set of four two-light fixed windows located on a diagonal wall (c 2000)

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 54: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

54

Figure 40 West elevation of rear wing Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 41 North elevation of rear wing showing the diagonal wall and retaining wall overlooking the bluff at Big

Spring Park Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 55: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

55

Several interior elements remain intact in the southeast corner office of the main

bank building A mantel baseboards crown molding and interior shutters and window

surround date to renovations completed by the First National Bank board in 1900 and are

still intact today The wood mantel is composed of a wide molded mantel shelf atop a

molded under-mantel and a pair of Ionic fluted columns on either side of the fire box

Evidence of a faux wood grain finish was found during a paint analysis of the office which

was completed by Katie Stamps Three part crown molding and large baseboard run the

full perimeter of the room Molding around the interior and exterior doors is composed of

bullseye corner blocks and molded door surrounds One six-over-six double-hung window

(1900) features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on

either side of the window jamb fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath the window match

the appearance of the folding shutters

Figure 42 Image of the mantel located in the southeast office c 1900 Evidence of a faux wood grain finish

was found during a paint analysis of the office analysis completed by Katie Stamps Ima ge taken by Jessica

White May 2015

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 56: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

56

Figure 43 Image of the remaining wood panel pocket shutters crown molding and baseboard molding c

1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding

Interior shutters on either side of the window jambs fold up flush within the wall giving the window the

appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels located beneath each window match the appea rance of

the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 57: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

57

Figure 44 Close-up view of the pocket shutters c 1900 The six-over-six double-hung window features

bullseye corner blocks and fluted surround molding Interior shutters on ei ther side of the window jambs

fold up flush within the wall giving the window the appearance of jamb paneling Molded window panels

located beneath each window match the appearance of the folding shutters Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 58: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

58

EXHIBIT D

VISUAL SURVEY AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Visual Survey-

Pictures in this section of the First National Bank Easement are examples of overarching issues

with the building but are not a complete catalog of all of the individual issues present on the

building

Figure 45 National Bank Building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 59: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

59

Figure 46 Southeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the plant growth in the corner of the cornice Plant growth

can hold moisture to the building causing erosion and plant roots may damage stonework Note the use of Portland

cement and chipping along the raking cornice See also ghosting marks of the word ldquoFirstrdquo in the frieze These

ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 60: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

60

Figure 47 Gable end of the front faccedilade Note the weathervane was originally located on the third county

courthouse cupola but was moved to the roof ridge of the bank building in 1963 after the courthouse was

demolished See also several patches on the building that have been filled in with Portland cement These marks

could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 61: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

61

Figure 48 Northeast corner of the front faccedilade Note the chipping along the cornice and column abacus See also

ghosting marks of the word ldquoBankrdquo in the frieze These ghosting marks are the result of signage for the First

National Bank added to the building in 1951 (see figure 39) See also several patches on the building that have been

filled in with Portland cement These marks could be the result of former signage attached to the building faccedilade

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 62: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

62

Figure 49 Two of the columns located on the southeast corner of the building Note patches on the columns and

main faccedilade filled in with Portland cement Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 63: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

63

Figure 50 amp 51 Note extensive cracking on several of the column bases Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 64: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

64

Figures 52-55 Note the several patches and repairs to front columns filled in with Portland cement Pictures taken

by Jessica White May 2015

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 65: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

65

Figures 56-58 Note evidence of spalling on several of the front columns Pictures taken by Jessica White May

2015

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 66: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

66

Figures 59-62 Note the evidence of cracks along the bottom of the columns shafts Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 67: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

67

Figure 63 View of the northeast corner of the building Note severe spallingdelamination on plinth and steps

Picture taken by Jessica White May 2015

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 68: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

68

Figures 64-67 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the northeast plinth most likely caused by

moisture erosion and freeze thaw cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 69: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

69

Figures 68 amp 69 Note severe spallingdelamination on the bottom step on the northeast corner of the building

delamination most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw cycles

Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 70: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

70

Figures 70-74 Evidence of severe spallingdelamination and cracking on the first step at the center of the building

faccedilade Damage most likely caused by moisture pooling on and eroding the veins of the stone and freeze thaw

cycles Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 71: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

71

Figures 75 amp 76 Damaged and cracked stone floor in the peristyle of the building faccedilade Pictures taken by Jessica

White May 2015

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 72: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

72

Figures 77-80 Images of the exterior wood panel doors and five-over-two double-hung windows added to the

building faccedilade c 1900 Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 73: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

73

Figures 81-83 Plinth block on the southeast corner of the bank building faccedilade Note several cracks along the front

and sides of the plinth block and the use of Portland cement Pictures taken by Jessica White May 2015

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 74: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

74

Figures 84 amp 85 Close-up of southeast plinth base and southeast side of plinth block Note Portland cement infill

along the bottom of the base and extensive cracking along the south side of the plinth Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 75: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

75

Figures 86 -88 South side of the main bank building and side stairs located at the southeast corner of the building

facing the West Side of the Square Note blueish staining on the stone a result of the copper gutter system Note

also severe cracking and chipping along the top riser and tread Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 76: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

76

Figures 89 amp 90 Side stairs on the south side of the main building located on the southeast corner of the building

facing Fountain Circle Note the damage to the right side of the stairs This was the location of a handrail The

handrail has been removed and Portland cement used to infill holes Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 77: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

77

Figures 91 amp 92 Close-up image of damage to the right side of the steps from an earlier handrail and image of

cracking due to use of Portland cement and cut for gutter drain on the left side of the steps Image taken by Jessica

White May 2015

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 78: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

78

Figures 93 amp 94 Images of built-in stone gutter drainage and damage to the side steps caused by the removal of a

handrail and infill with Portland cement Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 79: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

79

Figures 95 amp 96 Image of the southeast pilaster base Note the large crack running from the plinth to the base of

the pilaster Second image of large crack and Portland cement infill along the meeting joint of the stone and

galvanized soffits Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 80: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

80

Figure 97 Image of the stone foundation on the south side of the main bank building Image taken to the left of the

side steps where the downspout meets the built-in stone gutter drain Note extensive chipping and Portland cement

infill Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 81: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

81

Figure 98 Image of the south side of the main bank building Note the

vents along the foundation Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 99 Image of one of the vents on the south side of the main bank building Note cracks throughout the

stucco and the cracks along the vent opening Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 82: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

82

Figure 100 View of the crawlspace through vent opening Note the hand hewn sill plate that rests on a stacked

limestone foundation original to the buildings construction See also floor joists note that these joists are machine

sawn rather than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900

Figure 101 View of the floor joist beneath the main bank building Note that the joists are machine sawn rather

than hand hewn and were likely added after the original date of construction circa 1900 Note also evidence of

heart pine wood flooring possibly subflooring Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 83: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

83

Figure 102 View of heart pine wood flooring circa 1900 Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 84: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

84

Figure 103 Image of one of the windows on the south side of the building Note the cracking in the stucco Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 85: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

85

Figures 104 amp105 Existing window condition The wood frames on each of the windows appear to be in good

repair Windows should be scraped re-puttied and repainted Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 86: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

86

Figures 106 amp 107 Damage to stone foundation beneath the gutter downspout next to the south wall enclosed

stairwell Note also a puncture mark on the copper downspout Gutter system should be repaired and damage to

stone repaired Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 87: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

87

Figures 108-110 Pitting in the limestone can be found on all four sides of the building most predominantly on the

south side of the building and retaining wall The damage is due in large part to moisture erosion andor abrasion

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 88: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

88

Figures 111 amp 112 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by

Jessica White May 2015

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 89: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

89

Figure 113 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

Figure 114 Image of pitting and excess Portland cement

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 90: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

90

Figures 115 amp 116 Patches using Portland cement can be seen throughout the buildings exteior Note seperation

between patches and stone Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 91: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

91

Figures 117 amp 118 Portland cement patches and pitting on stone exterior Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 92: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

92

Figures 119 amp 120 Portland cement patches See the severe separation and erosion and cracking of the stone

around the cement patches Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 93: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

93

Figure 121 Metal remnants and Portland cement patches in the south retaining wall Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

Figure 122 Portland cement patches and repointing along a pilaster on the southwest corner of the rear addition

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 94: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

94

Figures 123 amp 124 Evidence of cracks and chipping can be found on the exterior stone and stucco surfaces of the

bank building Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 95: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

95

Figures 125 amp 126 Former vent infilled c 1951 Note the use of Portland cement in patches and pointing See

also cracks in limestone at the bottom of the first frame Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 96: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

96

Figures 127 amp 128 Former opening infilled Date of infill unknown Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 97: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

97

Figures 129 amp 130 Teller window (c 1951) located on the rear addition south wall Note moisture and abrasion

issues due to teller window awning and gutter system Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 98: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

98

Figure 131 Evidence of moisture and abrasion issues caused by teller window awing and gutter system Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 99: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

99

Figures 132 amp 133 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note also cracking stucco Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 100: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

100

Figures 134 amp 135 Peeling paint and exposed metal on the galvanized gutter system on the rear wing of the bank

building Note the ghosting marks for a Regions bank sign on the second photograph Images taken by Jessica

White May 2015

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 101: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

101

Figure 136 Northeast corner of the bank building View of the north plinth block and 1967 side addition Image

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 137 North side of the plinth block Note chipped and crumbling stucco at the base of the plinth Damage

likely caused by moisture erosion caused by the installation of a lift machine Image taken by Jessica White May

2015

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 102: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

102

Figures 138 amp 139 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood

should be removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist

Images taken by Jessica White May 2015

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 103: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

103

Figure 140 Damage to the northeast side of the plinth caused by lift machine Lift machine and plywood should be

removed and the damage to the stone and stucco repaired by a qualified stone mason or stone specialist Images

taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 141 Damage to the concrete foundation on the 1967 north office addition Damage caused by the

installation of a metal pipe Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 104: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

104

Figure 142 Image of cracked and damaged plinth stone on the building faccedilade Damage caused by lift machine

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 143 Image of cracked and delaminating stone foundation caused by the concrete slab foundation of the 1967

addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 105: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

105

Figure 144 Image of the 1967 north addition Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 145 Close-up image of the stucco finish on the 1967 addition Note cracking in stucco along cynderblock

mortar joints Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 106: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

106

Figures 146 amp 147 View of the north side of the building behind the 1967 addition Note the vegetation

overgrowth The vegetation should be trimmed away from the building to prevent moisture and abrasion damage

Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 107: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

107

Figure 148 Image of a stone step located in the side yard of the First National Bank building property

Step originally located on the side entrance of the bank building The steps were likely removed when the 1967

addition was constructed Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

Figure 149 Close up of the stone step located in the side yard of the bank property Note the markings in the stone

where a handrail used to be The steps were likely removed when the 1967 additon was constructed Image taken

by Jessica White

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 108: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

108

Figure 150 Image of light post and retaining wall on the south side of the building Image taken by Jessica White

May 2015

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 109: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

109

Figures 151 amp 152 Close-up of the light post Note the abrasion damage to the corners of the post Image taken by

Jessica White May 2015

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 110: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

110

Figure 153 Close-up of concrete infill along the base of the light post Image taken by Jessica White May 2015

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 111: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

111

Preservation Assessment-

Consult a qualified stone mason or stone specialist-

o Use of Portland cement in stone repairs

Portland cement- cementious based mortar often used in later repairs

to historic masonry buildings This type of mortar is harder and more

rigid than earlier lime based mortars The use of cementious based

mortars can have a detrimental effect on historic masonry builds

causing stone brick and tile to crack and erode against the inflexible

Portland cement infill

Portland cement patches and pointing should be carefully removed

and repaired using a more appropriate mortar Consult Preservation

Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs2-repoint-

mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern south retaining wall front columns building

faccedilade

o Spallingdelamination and cracks

Spalling-chips or fragments that fall from the exposed face of

masonry in reaction to compressive forces generated by movement or

thermal expansion of building materials Delamination- breaking apart

in layers usually along the bedding plane (the bonding layer formed

in sedimentary rock by fine-grained minerals deposited over a long

period of time

Spalling and delamination is most often the result of moisture

infiltration abrasion pressure andor freeze thaw cycles

Issues causing spalling and delamination should be mitigated and

necessary repairs made to the damaged stone if possible

Major areas of concern front steps plinths peristyle floor and south

retaining wall

o Repointing

Pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the

joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar Repointing

helps to maintain the visual and physical integrity of the masonry

Improper repointing through the use of inappropriate mortars or

application can have detrimental impact on the visual and physical

stability of the structure

A qualified mason should be consulted to determine the appropriate

methods material and areas for pointing repairs and repointing

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 112: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

112

Consult Preservation Brief 2 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-

preservebriefs2-repoint-mortar-jointshtm

Major areas of concern front steps columns faccedilade retaining walls

on the north and south of the building

o Cleaning and Water-Repellents on building exterior

Soiling- are materials that stain and deteriorate a buildingrsquos exterior

surfaces including dirt soot mold bird guano etc Stone or

masonry buildings should be cleaned periodically to prevent

deterioration

A qualified stone mason or specialist should be consulted to

determine the types of soiling and the best method for cleaning the

buildingrsquos exterior surfaces Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Water-Repellent or waterproof coatings- water infiltration and erosion

are majors concerns for the First National Bank Building A water-

repellent or waterproof coating might be advisable a qualified stone

mason or specialist should be consulted to determine if this is an

appropriate course of action Consult Preservation Brief 1

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs1-cleaning-water-

repellenthtm

Removal of debris and vegetation close to or on the buildingrsquos exterior

o The growth of vegetation on or near a buildingrsquos exterior can cause moisture

and abrasion damage

o Major areas of concern building faccedilade north side elevation

Stucco Repair

o Stucco an exterior form of plaster that uses Portland cement lime and sand

or lime water sand and a binder of hair or straw

o Over time stucco can crack and flake off and must be repaired maintained

andor replaced A contractor or craftsman that specializes in the repair of

historic stucco work should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 22

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs22-stuccohtm

o Major areas of concern South elevation West elevation and North elevation

Window repair

o Historic wood windows are a character defining feature of a historic

building and should be repaired and maintained rather than replaced

o Wood windows must be periodically repaired Repairs often include

scraping and repainting deteriorated window frames sills and surrounds

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm

Page 113: First National Bank Building Baseline Documents

113

removal and replacement of putty removal and repair of glazing patching

and repairing deteriorated sections of wood in the window unit and repair of

window mechanisms such as locks and weights A craftsman that specializes

in historic window repair should be consulted Consult Preservation Brief 9

httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs9-wooden-windowshtm

Drainage

o Moisture infiltration is a huge concern for historic masonry buildings Water

can erode stone surfaces and freeze thaws can cause stone to crack spall

and delaminate Proper drainage is key in preventing the deterioration of

stone A drainage specialist should be consulted to inspect the buildings

gutter system and other areas of moisture concern An appropriate plan of

action can then be developed and implemented Consult Preservation Brief

39 httpwwwnpsgovtpshow-to-preservebriefs39-control-unwanted-

moisturehtm