City Bank continued

On the occasion of the bank's 50th anniversary—in June of 1931—then president M. G. Garrison (an officer since founding) viewed depressions as simply cyclical events that must be endured. The Great Depression of the thirties, he pointed out, would be the eighth economic downturn the institution had weathered.

Resources in 1931 amounted to $1,701,281.94. The institution was able to survive by grass-roots customer service and fair dealing. Children, especially, were fond of the little metal "barrel banks" which have become sought-after collectibles. They would deposit their coins in these banks, later depositing the money at City, thus becoming indoctrinated in the "savings habit."

City Bank was blessed with astute leadership over the years. Other early leaders were B. J. Williard, H. H. Line, Emmett F. Garrison, and Henry Horning. Judge David Ladd Rockwell served as vice president for many years.

Finally, in 1979, when the dynamic changes in the banking industry began to catch up with City, David Green was president. That year, CleveTrust, a holding company, took control of the bank, foreshadowing a series of transactions.

City Bank in Kent, Ohio    PHOTO CIRCA 1956

CleveTrust eventually gave way to AmeriTrust, which became Society Bank, which at this writing is KeyBank. When City became AmeriTrust, Jack Worthem and Lee Knicely were at the helm.

City Bank's large, exterior clock had provided Kentites with the time for nearly a century, but by 1979, time had caught up with City Bank. The institution had done its job, and done it well.

Today, City Bank Antiques occupies the spot, keeping the name alive.