Ridgway National Bank

Bank Information

Episode Type: Run Only
Bank Type: national
Bank ID: 5945
Charter Number: 5945
Start Date: December 30, 1913
Location: Ridgway, Pennsylvania (41.420, -78.729)

Metadata

Model: gpt-5-mini
Short Digest: 94ad4016

Response Measures

Accommodated withdrawals

Description

Multiple newspapers report a prank/false statement by a 'practical joker' claiming the bank would close Jan 1, 1914, which triggered heavy withdrawals (reports vary $10,000–$50,000). Depositors were reassured; no suspension or receivership is mentioned.

Events (3)

1. August 26, 1901 Chartered

Source: historical_nic

2. December 30, 1913 Run

Cause: Rumor Or Misinformation
Cause Details: A practical joker circulated a false statement that the bank would close on January 1, prompting mass withdrawals.
Random Run: Yes
Random Run Snippet: Practical joker said bank would close Jan. 1; statement was false
Measures: Depositors were reassured by bank officials; attention called to the date to calm depositors.
Newspaper Excerpt: The Ridgway National Bank will close its doors on January First. ... started a run on the bank which caused the withdrawal of more than $10,000 within an hour.
Source: newspapers

3. January 8, 1914 Other

Newspaper Excerpt: A joke ... that the Ridgway (Pa.) National bank was unsafe caused a run on that institution, and it is estimated $50,000 was withdrawn.
Source: newspapers

Newspaper Articles (3)

1. December 30, 1913 The Daily Gate City Keokuk, IA

Article from The Daily Gate City, December 30, 1913

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

SILLY REMARK ABOUT BANK STARTED RUN BY DEPOSITORS doors on January first." This statement made, it is said. by a practical joker, started a run on More Than $10,000 Drawn Out the bank which caused withdrawal of Within First Hour After more than $10,000 within the first hour after its opening. Doors Were Opened. The "foke" is said to have started in Johnsonburg, ten miles from here, and the first train from that place brought more than sixty depositors [United Press Leased Wire Service. RIDGWAY, Pa., Dec. 30.-"The living there. An investigation was Ridgway National bank will close its started,

2. December 30, 1913 Evening Journal Wilmington, DE

Article from Evening Journal, December 30, 1913

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

JOKE STARTS BANK RUN. By the United Press. RIDGWAY, Pa., Dec. 30. "The Ridgway National Bank will close itz doors on January First." This statement, made it is said by a practical joker. today started a run on the bank which caused the with dawal of more than $10.000 within an hour. The depositors were reassured and angry when their attention was called to the date.

3. January 8, 1914 Connecticut Western News North Canaan, Salisbury, Canaan, CT

Article from Connecticut Western News, January 8, 1914

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

A joke. said to have been started at Johnsonburg. that the Ridgway (Pa., National bank was unsafe caused a run on that institution. and it is esti mated $50,000 was withdrawn.