Second National Bank - Pittsburg, PA

Bank Information

Episode Type: Run Only
Bank Type: national
Bank ID: 776
Charter Number: 776
Start Date: February 25, 1907
Location: Pittsburg, Pennsylvania (40.441, -79.996)

Metadata

Model: gpt-5-mini
Short Digest: bc6f0167

Response Measures

Accommodated withdrawals

Description

Newspaper reports a depositor rush prompted by a large downtown fire; bank did not suspend and instead opened a temporary banking room. Cause classified as local_shock (fire threatened building).

Events (1)

1. February 25, 1907 Run

Cause: Local Shock
Cause Details: Large downtown fire threatened the bank building; depositors feared building would be destroyed and rushed to withdraw funds.
Measures: Clerks moved books and cash into fireproof vaults; detectives and police guarded entrance and drew revolvers to keep crowd back; bank opened temporary banking room at old Home Trust Company offices.
Newspaper Excerpt: During the height of a serious conflagration in Liberty avenue this morning many persons who said they were depositors of the Second National Bank tried to get into the institution, saying that they feared the building was doomed and they wanted to get their money out.
Source: newspapers

Newspaper Articles (1)

1. February 26, 1907 New-York Tribune New York, NY

Article from New-York Tribune, February 26, 1907

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Article Text

RUN ON BANK AT FIRE. Revolvers Drawn to Keep Crowds from Pittsburg Institution. [Bv Telegraph to The Tribune.) Pittsburg, Feb 25.-During the height of a serious conflagration in Liberty avenue this morning many persons who said they were depositors of the Second National Bank tried to get into the institution, saying that they feared the building was doomed and they wanted to get their money out. Clerks were busy getting the books and cash into the fireproof vaults, and the cordon of detectives which had been thrown about the entrance prevented all from entering. The crowd finally became so insistent that Detective Elmore, who was in charge of the guard, ordered his men to clear the sidewalks in front of the bank. The crowd then made a rush for the entrance, and the officers drew their revolvers, threatening to shoot any man who put a foot on the steps of the bank. A detachment of police was summoned, and the crowd dispersed. Within an hour the bank had opened a temporary banking room in the office of the old Home Trust Company, Wood street and 6th avenue. The fire was one of the most spectacular, troublesome and costly which the Pittsburg downtown district has had in several, years. For a time the entire square bounded by Liberty avenue, 8th and 9th streets and Exchange Alley, was threatened. but the flames were controlled after completely destroying the six story structure at No. 819 Liberty avenue, occupied by the Derby Desk Company, and the building at No. 817 Liberty avenue, occupied by the Baker Office Furniture Company. In addition to ruining the two buildings named the blaze wrecked the three upper floors of the building at No. 813 Liberty avenue, occupied by the Grier-Bush Company, wholesale notions and toys. The loss is estimated at $350,000. When the fire was believed to be under control, flames were seen issuing from the top floor of the Seventh Avenue Hotel. There was a wild scramble of the guests, but all got out safely. The building was saved, but the furnishings were ruined by water. A number of persons were slightly injured during the fire. and there were many harrowing escapes annd thrilling incidents. The cause of the fire is believed to have been crossed electric wires.