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315 Pine St, Maywood, III 12, 29, '31.
Dear home friends So many things have happened that I must write again. A new experience has come to me. I have participated in "a run on the bank One day the Proviso State Bank closed and the next day the Maywood State Bank was rushed by frightened people. I was told about it and on my way there was met by three ladies, singly, who told me sorrowfully, that the bank was paying only 10 dollars to each person, no matter how much they had in the bank. When arrived, there were two lines reaching from the door to the savings windows and more people up near the check and draft windows. I stood in line for what seemed like an hour, tho it was, probably, only half that. The people were quite and orderly, a policeman was moving quietly and watchfully around-a small man, who acted as tho he expected to be obeyed implici*ly. I heard snatches of conversation some distance be hind me, "5000 banks", "in the east," $60,000,000 withdrawn from circulation, "that is what has caused this." When I was near the front, I heard a rap, rap, rap and voice. Looking around I saw a big, fine looking man standing on table. He told us, "this bank is liquid. We have $500,000 behind us and can pay everything, if you give us time. No bank can pay all in one day or two If you insist on calling for your money now, you get $10 each and when our available money is used up, we will have to close, the state 'auditor will come and take charge and you will get but a very small percent of your money.' Then he read a list of business men and prominent citizens who had signed an expression of confidence in the rehability of the bank. It was thrilling There was great clapping and the man stepped down, but nobody left the lines, that I could see, except those who seemed to have gotten their money. After a while another man got and spoke, saying that the was a banker from another town, but had some money in this bank and had confidence in it. More clapping, but no neaving the lines. That evening the bank closed. Afterward T wished I had called out, "Everybody who clapped, come on out and perhaps the rest will follow. Give the bank chancer Then the bankers would have clasped my hand and with tears in tneir eyes, halled me as their savior, and I would have gotten my name in the paper! More likely it would have fallen flat. Many were broken hearted and the suffering will be great. They say the closing will be only temporary. We hope so There is no open bank here now. There was a merger some months ago and there is an empty building since. Our Christmas party for the children was a success. Outside talent, mostly music, a olly big Santa Claus and several presents for each child. They were very excited and pleasod, also exceptionally well-behavod. Mr. McGillivary ("Daddy") has fine control-noticeable in S. S. and church, too. Our program on Christmas eve, very short-a few Christmas songs and * prayer and handing out of gifts. Some churches and classes sent little gifts to each member. Our tree in the dining room is a beautiful, symanetrical spruce, beautifully trimmed and lighted It was put in nearly a week ago and will stay till after New Year's day.
