2589. Farmers Bank (Vero Beach, FL)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Unsure
Bank Type
state
Start Date
January 27, 1927
Location
Vero Beach, Florida (27.639, -80.397)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
8ead4ef5

Response Measures

Full suspension, Books examined

Other: Bank referred to as 'Farmers Bank and Trust Company of Vero Beach' in articles; provided bank name shortened to 'Farmers Bank'.

Description

Articles (Jan 27–28, 1927) report heavy withdrawals caused by false rumors about a merger; directors closed the bank temporarily for the protection of the depositors and indicated a State examiner would review records and reorganization could be effected. No explicit confirmation of reopening appears in the provided texts, so outcome is uncertain.

Events (2)

1. January 27, 1927 Run
Cause
Rumor Or Misinformation
Cause Details
False rumors circulating that the two Vero Beach banks were merging and that Farmers Bank & Trust would close, prompting heavy withdrawals.
Measures
Bank closed its doors temporarily to prevent further withdrawals; directors invoked temporary closing and called for State examiner to review records; indicated reorganization plans.
Newspaper Excerpt
For two days prior to closing there had been heavy withdrawals of cash. This was occasioned by false rumors reaching certain individuals.
Source
newspapers
2. January 27, 1927 Suspension
Cause
Rumor Or Misinformation
Cause Details
Directors closed the bank temporarily because heavy withdrawals driven by false merger rumors threatened depositor protection; called for state examiner and planned reorganization.
Newspaper Excerpt
For the first time since its establishment the Farmers Bank and Trust of Vero Beach this morning failed to open doors on business day. A statement on the doors informed public that heavy withdrawals due to the circulation of rumors ... made necessary to close for the protection of the depositors.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (2)

Article from Indian River Press Journal, January 27, 1927

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Article Text

SAVE DEPOSITORS Vice President States Belief That Organization Can Be Effected For the first time since its tablishment in the Farmers Bank Trust of Vero company Beach this morning failed to open doors on business day. A statement on the doors informed public that heavy withdrawals cash due the circulation of rumors concerning merger of the two Vero Beach Banks made necessary to close for the protecand stockholders, the direc- the bank would reopen reorganization could be fected. Later in the day McClintock, vice-president of the bank issued the following statement in the absence of President Freeman Knight, who had been called Miami business: THE PUBLIC: decision of the directors in closing the Farmers Bank and Trust Company of Vero Beach, made after due consideration of present facts and conditions. While the greatest hardship necessarily falls on the officers, directors and stockholders ,the this fact and closed the doors for the protection of the depositors. "For two days prior to closing there had been heavy withdrawals of cash. This was occasioned by false rumors reaching certain dividuals. There plan under way whereby the two banks of this city were contemplating merger, believing the one bank would be much stronger institution than either one singly; that it could be run at much expense and in general be betterment to the community. From observation developed that instead of the correct news leaking out rumors were started Tuesday that the FarmBank and Trust Company would close at noon. and all through Wednesday the rumors broadcasted that the bank going close. As no agreement had been reached as to merger by seven o'clock Wednesday, and as indications pointed heavy run today (Thursday) was decided that the bank was in fair shape to protect all of its depositors, further withdrawals were prevented, and with the interest of the depositors in mind was deemed best to close, at least temporarily. will, of course, be necessary to have State examiner over all records, which be done once. When this is completed the writer's belief that re-organization can be perfected, which will be satisfactory to the deposi- No extensive withdrawals were made from the Vero Beach Bank Trust during the day company officials the institution and stated the close of business that deposits during the day ceeded the amount drawn out.


Article from Vero Beach Journal, January 28, 1927

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Article Text

TO THE PUBLIC: The decision of the Directors in closing the Farmers Bank and Trust Company of Vero Béach, was made after due consideration of present hardship necessarily falls facts and conditions. While the greatest the officers. directors and stockholders, the directors ignored this fact and closed the doors for the protection of the depositors. had been heavy withdrawals of For two prior to closing there days cash. This was occasioned by false rumors reaching certain individuals. There was a plan under way whereby the two banks of this City the one bank would be much stronger believing contemplating merger, either that could be run at much less institution than one singly; pense and in general be betterment to the community. From observation instead of the correct news leaking out rumors were developed that Bank and Trust Company would started Tuesday that the Farmers were that at and all through Wednesday rumors noon, had been reached as to the bank was going to close. As no agreement o'clock and indications pointed by seven Wednesday, merger heavy run today (Thursday) decided that the bank was in fair shape to protect all of its depositors, if further withdrawals were vented, and with the interest of the depositors mind deemed best to close, at least temporarily. of be to have State Examiner go over will, course, necessary When this is completed the all which will be done at once. writer's belief that be perfected, which will be satisfactory to the depositors.