Baker State Bank, Baker, Oregon
By Phyllis Badgley
The stone building at N.W. corner of Main
and Broadway in Baker, Oregon housed Baker Loan and Trust in early
1900s.
Baker State Bank, an independent bank, chose to locate there in the
1930s. Under leadership of Hugh McCall, Baker State was renowned for
friendly staff and personal service. As customers entered they were
greeted by 3 teller employees.
Officer desks located to
the right, past a hip-high counter. Large windows on the North wall,
allowed reflection on 3 heavy, shiny, secure vaults resting against
the west partition. One of these vaults held safety lock boxes,
which required double key custody to gain entry. Trust was so deeply
ingrained that several customers allowed storage of their personal
key on bank premises.
A check writing counter lined the south wall of the lobby, where a
supply of ink blotters was furnished. Business ads were frequently
shown on these accessories.
Bank directors were Carl Leonnig, Sr., Lee Duncan, and John Schmitz.
Hugh McCall, Cashier, was of congenial nature, yet in conducting
bank business, had no-nonsense approach. He was knowledgeable,
capable, and methodical. McCall desired employees of stability that
would serve long tenure. As a job applicant, the writer was
interviewed verbally and asked background questions. I felt no
invasion of privacy, when Mr. McCall asked, "You are not about to
get married, are you?" "No, I replied, I don't have any prospects
presently." I was hired in 1945, at beginning wage of $85 per month.
That figure seemed like instant wealth, compared to the monthly
$30.per month I received while serving earlier in the Cadet Nursing
Corps. Incidentally, I worked the bank job 5 years before marriage,
and later worked part time there. The number of bank employees
increased considerably as McCall hired returning WWII veterans, Ron
Culbertson, George Cook, Carl Davis and Vernon Stewart. Cora Taylor
of Haines could be found posting the general ledger, at a desk
behind the teller row. Her beautiful handwriting made clear, easy to
read entries.
Bookkeeping machines hummed in a separate room, operated by Jean
Smith Bunch, Jessie N. Adams, Marjorie Peck, and Alice Morris.
Summer interns were Bethanne Coles, Mildred Patton and Joann
Cavallo.
During wartime, banks handled ledgers for rationed items. One day
when the writer was posting figures for sugar ration accounts, I
became so involved trying to balance the totals, that I disregarded
going to lunch. When the balance was finally accomplished, I
declared "This it the happiest day of my life!" Co-workers were
amused at my declaration.
Hugh McCall passed away in 1950. Rives Waller assumed leadership
after McCall's death.
One day, a booming voice echoed the lobby, as a fraternity brother
greeted Rives Waller. A handshake, and slap on the back accompanied
the loud salutation of "Rives, you ole horse: it's been a long
time!" Customers and bank staff smiled at the enthusiastic reunion
scene.
In the 1940-50 era, banking hours included Saturday open from 10:00
to 12:00. At one time, Baker State staff donated to legislative fund
designed to end Saturday banking entirely. Many banks presently
abide by that.
Janet Shephardson joined the Baker State staff in 1953. Her long
tenure story follows later in this article.
Used with the permission of Phyllis Badgley
