The First National Bank was chartered in 1868 in Austin and 63 years later, the institution merged with the Austin National Bank and moved across Main Street into a new building. Having been established on the northeast corner of Main Street and 2nd Ave NW (then Bridge Street), the bank occupied a new building on the northwest corner of the same intersection in 1931.

From the Mower County News on Feb. 19, 1931:

“Celebrating the completion of the new First National Bank building and the consolidation of the city’s two leading financial institutions, the Austin National Bank and the First National Bank, an open house party unique in the city’s history will be held Saturday afternoon and evening…

In harmony with the setting, a bevy of girls in colonial costumes will assist in the public reception and will distribute souvenirs of the occasion to all.

Actual consolidation of the bank, the details of which are being announced today, will not be effective until Tuesday morning when the new building will be occupied by the merged organization…

As construction has progressed residents of Austin have become familiar with the beautiful exterior combining white stone with the vari-colored brick of the early American method of construction. The interior follows the colonial style in as complete detail and every piece of furniture is an authentic copy of an early American piece.”

A report in the same newspaper the following week indicated that 12,000 people attended the open house. The 1931 colonial building was remodeled in 1956 and is now known as the U.S. Bank building, housing U.S. Bank, the United Way of Mower County, Mower County Vehicle Registration and other offices.

This Week at the HHH

•July 16-20: Circle of Friends Day Camp.

•Tuesday: Board of Trustees at 4 p.m.

 Coming Soon

•Free concert in the Peace Garden at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24 by Koo Koo Kanga Roo. This group has recently been featured at the Minnesota State Fair family stage and can be described as ‘Beastie Boys multiplied by Sesame Street.’ Bring your own lawn chair. Children must be chaperoned. Rain location is Paramount Theatre.

•Free piano concert at the Paramount unveiling the new Mason & Hamlin grand piano that is owned by the HHH and will be housed at the Paramount. Date is set for Wednesday, July 25; details to be announced.

•Pizza Ranch Tip Night. Please plan to eat at the Pizza Ranch on Monday, July 30. All tips plus 10% of sales will benefit the HHH Autism programs such as Circle of Friends Day Camp and All Access Community Explorations.