Schenectady Savings Bank (Schenectady, NY)

Episode Information

Episode UID
50008971237
Episode Type
Run Only
Bank Type
savings
Bank ID
5000897 routing
Routing Number
50-0089
Start Date
January 8, 1903
Location
Schenectady, New York (42.814, -73.940)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
84f585bbfbcf8787

Response Measures

None

Events (2)

1. January 8, 1903 Run
Cause
Rumor Or Misinformation
Cause Details
Foreign-speaking depositors misinterpreted/translated the State Superintendent's report and feared the bank was unsafe.
Measures
Bank officers had prepared cash overnight, sent to New York for additional cash, and promptly paid depositors; directors published a statement of sound condition.
Newspaper Excerpt
Because of a misapprehension regarding the recently issued report of the state superintendent of banks, there was a run today on the Schenectady Savings Bank.
Source
newspapers
2. January 9, 1903 Reopening
Newspaper Excerpt
The excitement caused by the run on the Schenectady Savings bank has subsided. The institution opened to-day quietly.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (13)

Article from The Topeka State Journal, January 8, 1903

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Article Text

RUN ON A BANK. It Grew Out of a Misapprehen sion of Report. Schenectady, N. Y., Jan. 8-Because of a misapprehension regarding the recently issued report of the state superintendent of banks, there was a run today on the Schenectady Savingsbanks one of the oldest and most conservative institutions in the state. The demonstration was confined almost entirely to foreign speaking persons. When the report of the banking department appeared it was translated by volunteer interpretors into the language spoken by the various foreigners working in this city. The criticism of trust companies and recmendations regarding legislation affecting them, produced a bad effect upon these people as they did not understand the matter and in a mysterious manner feigned that all was not well with the savings bank here in which thousands of them deposit their savings. Scores of them withdrew their money from the bank yesterday and today, when doors of the institution were opened there was a large crowd of excited foreigners who demanded their deposits. They were promptly paid, the bank officers in anticipation of a run having prepared for it over night. At noon every one had received what was demanded. The true situation was explained to the foreign= ers and gradually the run decreased.


Article from The Evening World, January 8, 1903

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MISTAKE CAUSES A RUN ON A BANK. Foreigners at Schenectady Misunderstand the Report of Superintendent Kilburn. SCHENECTADY. Jan. 8.-Because of a misapprehension regarding the recently issued report of State Superintendent of Banks Kilburn, there is now in progress a run on the Schenectady Savings Bank, one of the oldest and most conservative banking institutions in the State. The demonstration is confined practically to foreign speaking persons. The incident is one of the most peculiar known to banking history. When the report of Superintendent Kilburn appeared it was translated into the language spoken by the various foreigners working in this city. The criticism of trust companies and recommendations regarding legislation affecting them produced a bad effect upon these foreigners, as they did not understand the matter, and in a mysterious manner a fear gained ground that all was not well with the savings bank here. in which thousands of them deposit their savings every week. Yesterday the first evidences of this misapprehension appeared, when scores of these foreigners drew out their money. This morning, when the doors were opened at the usual hour, there was a large crowd of excited foreigners, and they demanded their deposits. These were given to them by the bank officials. who had sent to New York last evening, in anticipation of a run, for a supply of cash, and at noon every one had received what was demanded.


Article from Evening Star, January 8, 1903

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Article Text

RUN ON SAVINGS BANK. Foreign Depositors at Schenectady Misunderstood a Report. SCHENECTADY, N. Y., January 8.-Because of misapprehension regarding the recently issued report of State Superintendent of Banks Kilburn there was a run today on the Schenectady Savings Bank, one of the oldest and most conservative banking institutions in the state. The demonstration was confined almost entirely to foreignspeaking persons. When the report of the banking department appeared it was translated by volunteer interpreters into the language spoken by the various foreigners working in this city. The criticism of trust companies and recommendations regarding legislation affecting them produced a bad effect upon these people, as they did not understand the matter, and in a mysterious manner a fear gained ground that all was not well with the savings bank here, in which thousands of them deposit their savings. Scores of them withdrew their money from the bank yesterday, and today when the doors of the institution were opened there was a large crowd of excited foreigners who demanded their deposits. They were promptly paid, the bank officers, in anticipation of a run, having prepared for it over night. At noon every one had received what was demanded. The true situation was explained to the foreigners, and gradually the run decreased.


Article from Santa Fe New Mexican, January 8, 1903

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Article Text

MISUNDERSTOOD THE REPORT Foreigners at Schenectady Caused a Run on an Established Banking Institution. ALL WERE PROMPTLY PAID Failed to Comprehend a Discussion of Trust Companies by the State Superintendent of Banks. Schenectady, N. Y., Jan. 8.-Because 8 of a misapprehension regarding the recently issued report of State Superintendent of Banks Kilbourne, there was a run today on the Schenectady Savings Bank, one of the oldest and most conservative institutions in the state. The demonstration was confined almost entirely to foreign speaking persons. When the report of the banking department appeared, it was translated by volunteer interpreters into the language spoken by the various foreigners working in this city. The criticism of trust companies and recommendations regarding legislation affecting them, produced a bad effect upon these peoe ple, as they did not understand the matter, and in a mysterious manner, a fear gained ground that all was not well with the savings bank here in which thousands of them deposit their savings. Scores of them withdrew their money from the bank yesterday and today, when the doors of the institution were opened, there was a large crowd of excited foreigners who demanded their deposits. They were promptly paid, the bank officers in anticipation of a run, having prepared for it over night. At noon everyone had received what was demanded. The true situation was explained to the foreigners and gradually the run decreased.


Article from Waterbury Democrat, January 8, 1903

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RUN ON OLD BANKING HOUSE Schenectady Savings Bank Passing Out the Cash. Run Was Caused by a Wrong Construction Being Placed on Report of Bank Examiner Kilburn-The Bank Is One of the Oldest and Most Conservative in the State: Schenectady, N. Y., Jan 8.-Because of a misapprehension regarding the recent report of State Superintendent of Banks Kilburn, a run on the Schenectady Savings bank, one of the oldest and most conservative banking institutions in the state, is in progress. The demonstration is confined chiefly to foreigners. Criticism of trust companies and a recommendation regarding legislation affecting them, produced a bad effect on the foreigners because they did not understand the matter. Many people drew from the bank yesterday and a large amount of money was brought from New York last night in preparation for the run to-day.


Article from Waterbury Democrat, January 9, 1903

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EXCITEMENT OVER. Schenectady, N. Y., Jan 9.-The excitement caused by the run on the Schenectady Savings bank has subsided. The institution opened to-day quietly. An official said that about all the money withdrawn has been redeposited and that, therefore, instead of having lost anything by the run the bank is ahead the amount of the interest which would have accrued to those of the depositors who became panic-stricken and drew out their money.


Article from New-York Tribune, January 9, 1903

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RUN ON UP-STATE BANK. Foreigners Misunderstood Kilburn's Report-Institution Not Harmed. Schenectady, N. Y., Jan. 8.-Because of a misapprehension regarding the recently issued report of F. D. Kilburn, State Superintendent of Banks, there was a run to-day on the Schenectady Savings Bank, one of the oldest and most conservative banking institutions in the State. The demonstration was confined practically to foreign speaking persons. Efforts were made by fellow countrymen of the excited ones to persuade them of the groundlessness of their fears and to induce them to leave their money in the bank. These, with the publication this afternoon by the directors of a statement of the bank's sound financial condition. relieved the apprehension, and the officials are confident that the run will not be continued to-morrow. The result of the run has been to cause many persons to lose a considerable amount of interest on their deposits, as it is not payable until next week and is forfeited by withdrawal. While the excitement was at its height Jonathan Levi, a grocer. who is lying dangerously ill at his home. heard of it. and drew $10,000 from one of the other banks. depositing it in the savings bank. Other business men, as well as the other banks. offered to come to the rescue, but the savings bank had money on hand to pay five times the amount withdrawn, and had thousands of dollars in Albany that could have been obtained at an hour's notice, so that there never was any danger that all demands could not be met as soon as presented. Many who withdrew their deposits to-day say they will return them early to-morrow morning. The incident is one of the most peculiar in banking history. When the report of Superintendent Kilburn appeared, it was translated into the languages spoken by the various foreigners working in this city. the labor being performed by volunteer interpreters. The criticism of trust companies and recommendations regarding legislation affecting them, were not understood, and a fear gained ground that all was not well with the savings banks here. in which thousands of foreigners deposit their money every week. Yesterday afternoon the first evidences of this misapprehension appeared, when scores of the of foreigners drew out their modey. The report their action caused unrest throughout the city, and this morning, when the doors of the institution were opened for business at the usual hour. there was a large crowd of excited forwho demanded their deposits. These to them by the bank to New-York last evening, sent eigners, were given in officials, anticipation who of a run, for a supply of cash. At noon every one had received what was demanded. Hundreds of English speaking depositors, who were alarmed by the reports concerning the bank, went to the bank, but when they learned the real situation of affairs they laughed at the excited victims of their own ignorance, and went back to their work. This afternoon the president of the bank, D. Cady Smith, made a statement of the institution's financial condition. The statement includes the figures given to the State Banking Department on January 1, and shows that the resources are $3,842,690 65. It says that. after paying all depositors, the bank has a surplus of more than $190,000. Albany, Jan. 8.-When Superintendent KIIburn heard of the run on the Schenectady Savings Bank he said: The whole thing is an absurd though serious mistake. due to the fact that this bank is in the with the trust company and to the of the foreign of the strongest and I am told that of were made to same offers banks misapprehension This is building of in one the assistance State. speaking safest the all bank sorts savings people. by other strong institutions and people of Schenectady. but that they did not need help.


Article from The Savannah Morning News, January 9, 1903

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A RUN ON A BANK Caused by the Report of the State Superintendent of Banks. Schnectady, N. Y., Jan. 8.-Because of a misapprehension regarding the recently issued report of State Superintendent of Banks Kilburn, there was a run to-day on the Schenectady Savings Bank, one of the oldest and most conservative banking institutions in the state. The demonstration was confined almost entirely to foreign speaking persons. They were promptly paid, the bank officers, in anticipation of a run, having prepared for it over night. The true situation was explained to the foreigners and gradually the run decreased.


Article from Daily Kennebec Journal, January 9, 1903

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FOOLISH RUN ON BANK. Foreigners at Schenectady Misunderstand and Want Money. Schenectady, N. Y., Jan. S.--Because of a misapprehension regarding the recent report of State Superintendent of Banks Kilbura, a "run" on the Schenectady Savings Bank, one of the oldest and most conservative banking institutions in the state, is in progress. The demonstration. is confined practically to foreigners. Efforts are being made by their fellow countrymen to show them the groundlessness of their fears and to induce them to leave their money in the bank. The publication, this afternoon, by the director or the Schenectady Savings Bank of statement of the bank's sound financial condition has had the effect of relieving apprehension and the officials are confident that today's run will not be continued. tomorrow.


Article from New-York Tribune, January 10, 1903

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RUN ON SCHENECTADY BANK ENDS. Schenectady, N. Y.,-Jan. 9. - -The excitement caused by the run on the Schenectady Savings Bank has subsided, and the institution opened this morning as usual. It is stated by an official of the bank that about all the money withdrawn has been redeposited, and that, therefore, instead of having lost anything through the occurrence, the bank is ahead the amount of the interest which would have accrued to those of the depositors who became panicstricken at what they feared was the weakness of the institution. There was a run on the same bank, semewhat similar in its cause, several years ago, but it was stemmed by prompt ac tion on the part of local business men. who showed their confidence in the institution. The statement of Superintendent Kilburn, that the bank in queation is one of the most conservative and substantial in the State, has done much to quiet a situation that is now universally admitted to have had no real cause in fact


Article from Daily Kennebec Journal, January 10, 1903

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Schenectady Bank Run Is Over. Schenectady. N. Y., Jan. 9.-The excitement caused by the run on the Schenectady Savings Bank has subsided. The institution opened, today, quietly. An official said that about all the money withdrawn had been re-deposited and that, therefore, instead of having lost anything by the "run" the bank is ahead the amount of the interest which would have accrued to those of the depositors who became panic-stricken and drew out their money.


Article from The Forest Republican, January 14, 1903

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Saturday. An ice bridge has formed in the gorge below Niagara Falls. People at South Bend, Ind., are said to be buying beans at $1.50 a bushe and burning them for fuel, as coal cannot be had. The excitement caused by the run on the Schenectady Savings bank has subsided, and about all the money withdrawn has been redeposited. President Roosevelt's appointment of a negro to be collector of the port of Charleston, S. C., was vigorously criticised by Southern newspapers. Le Roy suffered a fire loss of $75,000 Friday morning. The blaze was caused by a gas explosion in the rooms of the Oatka hose company. The post. office and Lampson House block were burned.


Article from The Olneyville Times, January 16, 1903

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DOMESTIC. Colonel Myron T. Herrick ancounced his candidacy for Governor of Ohio. Three men forced David Church, a grocer at Birmingham, Ala., to open his safe, and after taking $69, tied him in bed, set fire to the house and nearly burned Church to death. The Grand Jury at Cleveland, Ohio, was ordered to investigate a reported combine of coal dealers that keeps up the price of soft coal. In a fight between citizens and robbers at Eagle, Wis., one robber was killed and another captured, while two escaped. Three farmers were found dead in a snow drift near Dumont, Minn. John Matthews and Charles Bradfield, carpenters, were killed by an explosion at the gas plant at Mapleton Iowa, Minneapolis produced 16,329,805 barrels of flour in the year just closed. 407,905 barrels in excess of the product af 1901. A misunuerstanding on the part of foreigners of the bank statement caused a run on the Schenectady (N. Y.) Savings Bank. All demands were promptly met. It was announced that all litigation on the Rogers will had ended, and that between $5,000,000 and $6,000,000 would soon go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art at New York City. Topsy. an elephant which had killed four men. was killed at Coney Island, New York City, by a shock of 6600 volts of electricity, having previously swallowed 460 grains of cyanide of potassium. George P. Sullivan, the plumber Mayor of Derby, Conn., was inaugurated. He said he had chosen the late Colonel Waring as his model. Among Massachusetts Mayors who took office is Charles L. Coulter, Socialist, of Brockton. For killing his wife in a fit of jealousy. J. C. Lowe, a schcolteacher, was found guilty of second degree murder at Topeka, Kan. Thirteen children in and around Norfolk, Va., died and seven others were injured by the premature explosion of toy pistols.