107. Bank of Camden (Camden, AL)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Unsure
Bank Type
state
Start Date
September 19, 1928
Location
Camden, Alabama (31.991, -87.291)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
ff3fac3d

Response Measures

Accommodated withdrawals, Full suspension, Books examined

Description

Multiple newspapers (dated 1928-09-21) report a run on the Bank of Camden (occurred on the prior Wednesday) that led the board to close the bank pending an exam by the Alabama banking department. Articles emphasize a 'whispering' campaign/rumor as the trigger and state funds were sufficient and checks were met. No article reports a reopening, so outcome is uncertain.

Events (2)

1. September 19, 1928 Run
Cause
Rumor Or Misinformation
Cause Details
A whispering campaign/rumors circulated in town alleging the bank was failing, frightening depositors and prompting systematic withdrawals.
Measures
Secured additional funds to meet all demands; paid every check presented during banking hours; directors met and decided to close pending state examination.
Newspaper Excerpt
Following a run staged on the Bank of Camden...the run is charged to a whispering campaign against the bank
Source
newspapers
2. September 20, 1928 Suspension
Cause Details
Directors closed the bank on advice of the board pending an examination after the run; closure is administrative pending examiner (not explicitly government seizure).
Newspaper Excerpt
failed to open for business Thursday on the advice of the board directors...pending the arrival of representatives of the Alabama banking department for an examination.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (5)

Article from Birmingham Post-Herald, September 21, 1928

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Article Text

BANK OF CAMDEN SHUT AFTER RUN 'Whispering' Campaign Is Blamed; Depositors Are Reassured CAMDEN, Ala., Sept. staged the Bank morning the advice the board depositor suffer loss, according officials of the bank. When it became apparent Wednessystematic progress, arrangements made obtain additional meet directors called At this meeting the decision reached close the doors make examination. and requested an examiner to charge of the The run is charged to "whisperthe Every check presented during banking hours Wednesday was paid, the depositors are assured that suffiassets to pay dollar held for depositors. the and R. cashier. cannot find it, because the truth not challenge his point one single flaw they can their find they won't find because know what behind all before sit down tonight. Takes Just Pride pride in this represents of earnest labor, conscientious effort complete self-sacrifice to the public good and people so signally honored 'Don't you think am entitled to ask the people to beinto and sacrifice which to the state? Don't you think that my party entitled argument the American the record takable language the leading felcitizens had slightest affiliation of governorship four times has not accomplished merely votes, York normally elected topatriotic, all forms political belief, the welfare state above consideration. Hughes' Praise "Take man who supported for the ernorship, Charles Hughes, statement not political purposes, presenting me York City. described resents might master in the said he holds can esteem and affection of his fellow citizens. Murray Butler, president Columbia conferring honorary degree, stated publicspirited and courageous, speaking true of the peo- Dewey On Record Very Robthe Episcopal CathedSt. John stated had shown singularly capable and forceful group of distinguished educaof my record on public whole attitude been one of foresight tax for the of similar men who the leaders thought and fairs the York, dependents any political Owen the forces behind him know recmy ord these distinguished women watched and studied But Senator Owen and his They cry is attempt drag red across the Religious Question know this tell religion. Ordinarily should never political campaign. necessity for using and his feel least didate the Party. this them this and bigotcampaign be an intelligent the issues which people." Issue Open not have discuss The people know But view the amount anonymously circulated throughout this the into sums party bring the There the major portion this financed through recent York told the who called national in Washington seeking She Those charge publicity bureau the with automobile driven to office Republican, notorolus the the Church and upon Catholics think greater disaster this country the upon lines. the itself. Durour we have the world that are created equal forefathers in their seeing the danger wrote into States uncertain declarathat religious be applied for public office it is thing in 1928 view of the cause of public education. citizens 100 per American and the document proclamation suggesting presidency of my religious belief. Answers Klan Attack "The realm of Arkansas, writing citizen my the letter happened be delegate the by against me he American ideals established by our forefathers. "The grand dragon that thus advised delegate the vention against me my religion an Ku Klux have to selves the history this country its the Americanism into the hearts and their members hatred millions their fellow because of their religious "Nothing could be out of line the Nothing foreign teachings Jefferson Nothing contradictory whole history Nothing divine mockery the blazing cross, cross upon which as symbol instill the hatred preached and died for the brotherhood fully appreciate that here and there, in ours, under might be be charitable and make and for them. this campaign, far advanced, dison alone to the party but the Discusses Appointments objection finidng fault my record the United States, tell truth But no upstanding American citizen can for countenance the shower lying no basis fact, printed and sent broadcast through the this 'One lie widely circulated, particularly the Southern part during my practically but members of my church. "What the facts? On Investifind the cabinet Three the various and divisions cabinet offices governor appointed people. them 14 ficials. and commissions, and the ernor, 157 appoint Jewish four could find out about. number of judges all courts, county of filling were were and was unable find misleading permitted the harsher statements that found large part this country in the form printed Danger To Country "If the willing silently by and see large poured and propaganda for repeat that see party but danger depths this Insidious campaign that the in public are being the vehicles the carrying misleading propaganda. Cedar Rapids, Iowa, public prints us number girls their parents would to When by how came ask such tions one of the girls said 'We ques- were told at school Wilson started 1917 and Smith he would start another contemptible anything could possibly be article very front publication devoted doings church wherein the gospel Christ is preached. Ashland Baptist, coming from LexingKy., in bitter and cruel attack is upon personally and ridiculous that should paid to my down 50 miles an hour specifically states myself while who knows me, knows full not know an never the rest the contemptible statement, it is as false this part. In Letter against out open about the Southern part the country read what to letter my own state. Fornames women terviewed the One friends inwoman she denied York ing written letter. The woman Southern part the country refused to about and refused the letter. single out these few incidents of know that the first man has the baseless slander. was forth dore and upon Theoupon self. But wicked religious intolerance driven bigots inject these slanders into campaign. and drag them the open denounce them very foundation American might have that politically it expedient for me silent upon this subject. but concerned. no political keep speakto destroy these Sins Of Omission "There for believing that Republicans high councils countenanced this form campaign prompted omission some times sin commission. They through ficial disclaim please for dragging national campaign the question religion. something to our history traditions no campaign for elective public them the benefit of all doubt, they at least remain


Article from The Birmingham Post, September 21, 1928

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Article Text

RUSH ON BANK CAUSES CLOSE Campaign' Is Blamed For Camden Action CAMDEN, Ala., Sept. pering campaign" which frightened depositors, doors the Bank of Camden did not open day, following run staged Wednesday. The bank was also closed yesterday. When became apparent that systematic run was being made the bank, additional funds secured and all checks met. The directors, meeting nesday night, decided to close the bank until state examiner could make examination. The examexpected today. Bank officials charged that some one started rumor about town that the bank was failing and the run followed. Bonner president of the bank, and Jones is cashier.


Article from The Montgomery Advertiser, September 21, 1928

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Article Text

Bank Of Camden Closes Doors Following Run CAMDEN, ALA., Sept. run staged on the Bank that to open this the advice board directors. suffer according to officials of the bank. When became apparent Wednesday systematic run was progress, additional funds meet all demands, and meeting the directors called for night. this the decision reached the repthe partment on the scene and make Thomas was called and examiner take the The run charged campaign against after depositors became uneasy. Every check presented during banking hours Wednesday was paid the depositors are assured off every held for deposipay president the bank, and Jones cashier.


Article from The Atlanta Journal, September 21, 1928

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Article Text

"Whispers" Cause Run And Bank Is Closed CAMDEN, Ala., Sept. 21 The Bank of Camden, following "run" on the institution Wednesday, failed to open for business Thursday on the advice of the board directors. The bank will rem closed pending the arrival of representatives of the Alabama banking department for an examination. Bank officials said Friday that there are sufficient funds in the bank to take care of all deposits. The "run" is said by officials of the bank to have resulted from "whispers' against the institution. They say that all affairs of the bank are in excellent shape.


Article from The Atmore Advance, September 27, 1928

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Article Text

BANK OF CAMDEN CLOSES DOORS FOLLOWING RUN/ Following a run staged on the Bank of Camden, recently, that institution failed to open its doors the other morning on the advice of the board of directors. No depositor will suffer loss, according to officials of the bank. When it became apparent that a systematic run was in progress, arrangements were made to secure additional funds to meet all demands, and a meeting of the directors was called the next night. At this meeting the decision was reached to close the doors until representatives of the Alabama Banking department could arrive on the scene and make an examination. Judge Thomas was called and requested to send an examiner to take charge of the situation. The run is charged to a "whispering" campaign against the bank, after which depositors became uneasy. Every check presented during banking hours the last day was paid and the depositors are assured that sufficient assets are on hand to pay off every dollar held for depositors. W. J. Bonner is president of the bank, and R. C. Jones is cashier. gery-the last thrill in sports before Old Man Winter arrives and tears down the playhouse. YOU'RE NOT BOUND to believe this "yarn" but it is very plausible. He: Darling, I stole $100,000 once. Can you forgive me?" She: "I surely can if you've STILL GOT IT." We're not spining any "yarns" when we say that when we repair your auto the job is properly done. Permanent repairs are the economical kind. Our equipment and skill are your assurance of satisfaction. LAMONT & SOWELL MOTOR CO. Atmore, Alabama