9340. First National Bank (Pontiac, MI)

Bank Information

Episode Type: Run → Suspension → Reopening
Bank Type: national
Bank ID: 2607
Charter Number: 2607
Start Date: July 27, 1932
Location: Pontiac, Michigan (42.639, -83.291)

Metadata

Model: gpt-5-mini
Short Digest: e0c1aedc

Response Measures

Accommodated withdrawals, Full suspension, Books examined

Other: State and federal authorities investigated alleged organized 'whispering' campaign; secret service involvement.

Description

Newspapers from July 1932 report a nationwide 'whispering' campaign aimed at wrecking confidence in banks; Pontiac's First National was specifically targeted and bank officials appealed to depositors (indicating runs/withdrawal pressure). By April 1933 the bank had been closed (a suicide of a former president is mentioned as having 'closed bank') and a bank examiner had begun work on findings for possible reopening. Thus sequence is run → suspension/closure → attempted reopening. Cause of the initial run is classified as rumor_or_misinformation (organized false rumors/whispering campaign). The later suspension/closure appears tied to bank-specific adverse information (suicide of a former president, reports of excessive loans) rather than the whispering alone. Dates are taken from newspaper publication dates; precise run dates are not given, so I use the July 1932 publication date and April 1933 for the closure/reopening activity.

Events (5)

1. January 3, 1882 Chartered

Source: historical_nic

2. December 31, 1892 Voluntary Liquidation

Source: historical_nic

3. July 27, 1932 Run

Cause: Rumor Or Misinformation
Cause Details: Organized 'whispering' campaign and false telephone calls from agents (alleged communist plot) aimed at discrediting the bank and prompting withdrawals
Measures: Bank officers appealed to depositors and assured them the bank was sound; officials investigated and sought federal assistance.
Newspaper Excerpt: Rowland...began a campaign to discredit the solvency of the First National bank there...False telephone calls...played a major role in the campaign to undermine banks
Source: newspapers

4. April 1, 1933* Suspension

Cause: Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details: Bank had been closed following the suicide of its former president and allegations of excessive loans and problematic management; closure appears tied to bank-specific insolvency/management issues rather than further rumor alone.
Newspaper Excerpt: the suicide closed bank...Bank Examiner L. F. Burk, Wednesday began First National On his findings largely depends the possibility of reopening bank here.
Source: newspapers

5. April 13, 1933 Reopening

Newspaper Excerpt: Bank Examiner L. F. Burk, Wednesday began First National On his findings largely depends the possibility of reopening bank here.
Source: newspapers

Newspaper Articles (21)

1. January 10, 1882 Press and Daily Dakotaian Yankton, SD

Article from Press and Daily Dakotaian, January 10, 1882

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

thought by his friends lie will refuse to accept it. The nominations for district attorney and United States marshal for Minnesota in are confidently expected to be sent within the next ten days, but it is impossible to get any nearer the names of the successful candidates than has been done heretofore. H. R. Denny will undoubtedly be nominated by the president, and the attorney's office lies between the two Searles. The value of the imports of merchanthe United the months ended 30,1881, twelve dise into November States for during the corns compared with the values months of the year responding preceding was: 1880, $660,243,050; 1879, $703,031,452. The value of the exports of domestic and foreign merchandise from the United States during the same period was: 1880, $855,866,802; 1879, $871,673,211. It is now currently reported that the St. Paul & Manitoba railroad will not run the Grand Forks branch to Sauggler's Point, but will make a turn Bathgate and bring their road to Pembina. This change in their programme, it is said, will be done to head off the Northern Pacific people, who are NOW 10cating a branch from their Casselton branch at a place called Garfield in Walsh county, to run direct to Pembina. Such being the case, Pembina has bright prospects of having two competing railroad lines. The announcement of Gen. Grant's change of views with reference to the Fitz John Porter case will go a great towards securing way action The from influence congress favorable to Porter. of declaration now is greater than it would have been Grant's probably Still had he made it while he was president. it is by no means settled yet that Porter will receive the vindication he is entitled to. Many congressmen who were soldiers are strongly fixed in the opinion that be is guilty and they will bitterly oppose any measure for his relief. Among them is Gen. Tom Browne af Indiana, who served with Porter at the time of his alleged misconduct. Scoville has received a bona fide proposition from a medical gentleman for the The genbody of Charles J. Gniteau. tleman (whose name Scoville declines to make public for the present) has offered to pay $1,000 immediately. on condition that he shall have the body of the prisoner as soon as executed, to dispose of absolutely as he shall see fit. He also agrees to take his chances of waiting one month or twenty years for the consummation of the bargain on Gaiteau's part The proposition was submitted to Gaiteau and it seemed to impress him quite favorably. After reflecting a moment he suggested: "I think I ought to bring more than that. Perhaps some other fellow will offer $2,000. Then I can pay pay my debts, and if I get a new trial that miscrable Corkhill can't bring on lot of fellows just to swear how much owe them." The first national bank whose charter has expired under the national banking Pon laws is the First National bank of tiac, Michigan. Its charter expired ou the 1st inst., and it now has no existence The law provides for the winding up failed banks and banks in liquidation ha but not for banks whose existence terminated by the expiration of its char Another bank of the same name has ter. been organized, which will probabl; deposit lawful money with the treasury inst for the redemption of the defunct tution. April 1:th another nationa bank charter will expire by limitation tb From that date to February, 1883, exis number of banks whose corporate tence will terminate is 303, having circuit a cal ital of nearly $2,000,000 and a Congres tion of nearly $68,000,000. will undoubtedly take some action in gard to this matter in the direction extending the charters. Delegate Maginnis, of Montana, pre poses an excellent way to put a stop the present power of Utah polygamy under place the polygamous Mormons to proper control of law. His propositio 18 to let congress divide the territory Utab, incorporating the western par with the state of Nevada, the southeas ern part with the state of Colorado, Idabo the small northern part with abanda Wyoming. Congress has th when it is dono.the Mormon power power to do this, and it is claimed

2. July 27, 1932 The Indianapolis Times Indianapolis, IN

Article from The Indianapolis Times, July 27, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

'Red' Leader Sought By United Press DETROIT. July 27.-Hunt for George Rowland, alias George Salzman, wanted by police in connection with a purported Communist plot to disrupt confidence in American banks, centered in Chicago today. Rowland left his hotel in Pontiac, Mich., Saturday noon to meet William Z. Foster, Communist candidate for President, on his arrival in Detroit, police say. Word was left with the hotel management to forward mail or parcels to him C. O. D., care of general delivery, Chicago, Captain Ira H. Marmon of the Michigan state police, said. Marmon was to begin a series of conferences today with Commissioner Oscar Olander of the state police, Prosecutor Clarence Smith of Oakland county, and officials of the First National bank in Pontiac, Mich., to determine whether federal aid would be sought in the case. Phone Wires Tapped Following a series of false rumors concerning banks in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, Howland arrived in Pontiãc two weeks ago and began a campaign to discredit the solvency of the First National bank there. Marmon said. His activities were revealed by listening to his telephone conversations at a hotel. Seized documents told of "considerable run on jugs (banks) in the Chicago loop. Big accounts, nervous and soon will be panicky. Rowland signed his correspondence "G. R., director of education and propaganda," Marmon declared. Faces Felony Charge In event the federal government does not intervene, Marmon said, Rowland would be returned to Por.tiac, if captured and charged in two counts of syndicalism, and the spreading of false rumors, a felony in the state of Michigan. Rowland divided his scene of operations into districts, Marmon claimed. Illinois was district 6; Ohio. district 8 and Michigan. district 7. False telephone calls made under fictitious names played a major role in the campaign to undermine banks, Marmon said.

3. July 28, 1932 The Washington Herald Washington, DC

Article from The Washington Herald, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Uncovers to Wreck Seized Letters Show Red Tried to by 'Whispers' Mich. July Red plot wreck some of wide to the largest and strongest banks in the country and eventually was ordered States of the Midtoday through dle West. City and Federal officers were asked to arrest George Rowland. described as one of the central figures the plot. PLOTTER ESCAPES Pontiac, yesterday, said, when was disauthorities covered he was engaged in propaganda to destroy the First Na tional Bank here and was intend out the same destrucing to carry tive against larger campaign troit banks. The campaign already had been directed against several cago's largest banks with resultruns not fully exant heavy plained at the time. State police raided Rowland's room in the Roosevelt Hotel yes terday. They seized number letters. but Rowland had fled. evidently forewarned. revealed widespread Letters of the plot. Cenramifications the Middle tered present in campaign was extended from one ecoast the and effect general collapse the nation's greatest banks, of the plotters hoped. CONFIRMS One seized letter boasted in the following fashion of the runs on Chicago banks: very much encouraged because we have had plenty against the big banks, runs particularly the big five in Chicago, the First National, the Continental Illinois, and the Union Trust and etc., Cleveland Trust in Cleveland, and others." Melvin A. Traylor, president the First National Bank in Chicago, of the foremost one financiers the nation. confirmed existence of the plot to day. He was quoted in Chicago saying: "There is no doubt recent bank runs here were inspired part of systematic plot. from nearly one the larger banks every in the country indicating plot to wreck banks by circula tion unfounded rumors.

4. July 28, 1932 The Daily Breeze Torrance, CA

Article from The Daily Breeze, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

RED BANK PLOT LEADERS Secret Service Joins With Nation's Police in Search CHICAGO, July 28 of communistic propaganda found in Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as directors of campaign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government officials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the communist party for .systematized attack on the integrity of financial institutions in many large cities, particularly the runs which every bank in Chicago last month was said by L. Smith, prosecuting attorney at Pontiac, to have been backed by Soviet Russia William z. Foster. communist candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored a whispering campaign against the First National bank of Pontiac, or that a man known as George Rowland, in whose room seditious letters were found, was member of the party. "Rowland" was believed today to be really George E. Powers, once candidate for president of Queens borough in New York City and with record for criminal syndicalism in Michigan since last August. He escaped a police trap in his raided hotel room and became the object of national dragnet. Illinois' drastic sedition law provides 20 years imprisonment for 'anyone who advocates reformation of the government by violence or any other unlawful means. Chicago's June bank runs closed more than 40 institutions and caused the city's soundest financial citadels to store upward of $100,000,000 in cash on hand in order to meet demands of depositors. The here, no longer acute, appeared definitely linked with references in the Pontiac letters sent from Chicago, advising "Rowland" that there was "much progress here' and "considerable runs on jugs in loop.'

5. July 28, 1932 Jackson Citizen Patriot Jackson, MI

Article from Jackson Citizen Patriot, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Hundred U. S. Agents to Aid State Police in Pontiac Communist Plot. SEARCH IS NATION-WIDE Five Detroit Institutions Attacked by Whispering Campaign Are Sound. Pontiac, July One hundred United States secret service agents will be in Michigan by Friday to investigate closing campaigns against Clarence Smith today search for George leader of ritory extended the Capt. Ira Marmon of the state police Rowland has been conducting campaign against the First bank national similar nature, by Communists Rowland while Marcompleting his investigation on charging circuabout the local bank, felony in Michiand letters found in on Rowland's room revealed his the Communist campaigns against Cleveand other said. Smith that some of the secret service would come Pontiac assist Capt. Marmon located in cities has rumors about local first job is find Rowbending every effort in that direction. Search. found were today by the service and the paign the confidence of bank bankers and government officials blamed the party attack of financial institutions many particularly runs which threatened bank Chicago month. Smith. attorney Pontiac. have been backSoviet Russia. William Communist candidate President, denied his sponsored whispering against the First National bank Pontiac, known George in seditious letters found. of the party. sedition law. viding years and directed against advocates reformation of the government by violence any other lawful the should any with the Pontiac letters were signed "yours the revolution," some "bringing about the unrest which will lead to the revolution. Chicago's June bank closed than includtwo caused city's soundest to store cash on hand in order to meet No Acute. The longer acute, appeared definitely linked references the Pontiac letters from advising that progress here" and runs in Melvin president of First National bank former head of the American blamed the He said "plot be that he had ports from cities that system used in frightening depositors by anonymous teletold of plan, (Turn to No. Next Page)

6. July 28, 1932 The Clarksdale Press Register Clarksdale, MS

Article from The Clarksdale Press Register, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Authors of Communistic Propaganda Are Being Sought by Secret Service Agents in Nation-Wide Drive of CHICAGO, July ors of propaganda found in Pontiac, Mich., hotel sought today by the seeret service and detectives everywhere as the directors of cam paign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government of ficials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the communist party for systematized attack on the integrity of financial institutions in many large cities, partieularly the runs which threatened ery bank in Chicago last month. It was said by C. L. Smith, prosecuting attorney at Pontiac, to have been backed by Soviet Russia. William Z. Foster, communist can didate for president, denied his or ganization had sponsored whisper ing campaign against the First Na tional Bank of Pontine, or that man known as George Rowland, in whise room seditious letters were found, as member of the party. Illinois drastic sedition law, providing 20 years' imprisonment and directed against 'anyone who advocates reformation of the government by violence or any other un (Continued on page 3)

7. July 28, 1932 Jefferson City Post-Tribune Jefferson City, MO

Article from Jefferson City Post-Tribune, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

thors of Communistic propaganda found in Pontiac, hotel were sought today by the secret service detectives everywhere the directors of nation-wide against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government officials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blaned the Communist for attack on integrity of financial Institutions in many large cites. particnlarly the runs which threatened bank in Chicago month said by Smith, prosecuting attorney, at Pontiac, have been backed by Soviet Russia William Z. Foster. Communist candidate for his organization sponsored whispering campaign against the First National Bank of Pontiac, or that man known as George Rowland. whose seditions was a member of the party.

8. July 28, 1932 Moberly Monitor-Index and Moberly Evening Democrat Moberly, MO

Article from Moberly Monitor-Index and Moberly Evening Democrat, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Officials Blame Communists for Conspiracy Seeking to Start Bank Runs CHICAGO, Julyy 28 thors of Communistic propaganda found in Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as the directors or nation-wide against the confidence campaign of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government and Michigan police blamed the Communist party systematized attack on the of financial institutions integrity many large cities, particularly runs which threatened every bank in Chicago last month. said by Smith, prosecutattorney at Pontiac, have been backed Soviet Russia. William Foster, Communist candidate for president, denied his organization sponsored campaign against the First pering National Bank of Pontiac, that known George Rowland, whose were found, was member of the party. July 28 ments made by the American ilant that George Powers, at time for borough presibelieved dent Queens, have activities bank runs tic categorically denied today by Mr. Powers. Powers issued denial from home Astoria, Queens, today. said he had lived in Astoria He and had not been out since 1923 had the city year to do with any attack is candidate chief banks. He the of appeals on judge the Communistic ticket.

9. July 28, 1932 Marshfield News-Herald Marshfield, WI

Article from Marshfield News-Herald, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Continue Search for Authors of Communistic Propaganda CONFIDENCE IS REGAINED Chicago, July communistic propaganda found in Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by secret service and detectives everywhere the directors nationwide campaign against the confidence bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government ficials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the communist attack financial institutions many large cities, particularly the runs which threatened bank in Chicago last month. said by Smith, prosecuting Pontiac, to have been backed by soviet Sussia. Denies Accusation William Foster, candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against First National bank Pontiac, that man known as George land, in whose room seditious letwere found, was member of the party. Illinois' drastic sedition law, providing years imprisonment and directed against who advocates reformation of the ment violence or any other unlawful means," eyed as the handiest should cals be caught and connected The letters signed "yours for the revolution," and discussed "bringing about the unrest which will lead to the Banks Closed Chicago's June bank closed more than 40 including two in the loop and caused the city's soundest financial citadels store upwards of $100,000,000 cash on hand in order to meet mands depositors. The situation here, longer acute, appeared definitely linked with references in the Pontiac letters from Chicago, advising "Rowland" that there "much progress and on jugs Melvin Traylor, president the First bank and forhead of the American Bankers association, blamed the "radicals," he said he believed the "plot to and that he had ports from that similar system was used in frightening depositors by telephone messages. Other Chicago bankers told how radicals opened to bank accounts and then withdrew them spreading of the

10. July 28, 1932 Quad-City Times Davenport, IA

Article from Quad-City Times, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

DISAVOWAL W. Z. Foster, Leader in U. S., Denies Suspect Is a Member. RUNS CLOSED 40 BANKS Drastic Illinois Sedition Law May Be Used Against Band. Chicago, July (AP) thors of Communistic propaganda found in Pontiac, Mich. hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as the directors of a nation-wide campaign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers. government of ficials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the Communist party for systematized attack on the integrity of financial Institutions in many large cities, particularly the runs which threatened every bank in Chicago last month. It was said by C. L. Smith, prose cuting attorney at Pontiac. to have been backed by Soviet Russia. William Z. Foster. Communist candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against the First National bank of Pontiac, or that a man known as George Rowland, in whose room seditious letters were found, was a member of the party Illinois' drastic sedition law. proviring 20 years' imprisonment and directed against "anyone who advocates reformation of the govern ment by violence or any other unlawful means.' was eyed as the handiest weapon should any radicals be caught and connected with the Pontiac literature For the letters were signed "yours for the revolution, and some discussed "bringing about the unrest which will lead to the rev. olution. 40 Banks Closed Chicago's June bank runs closed more than 40 institutions, including two in the loop, and caused the city's soundest financial cita dels to store upwards of $100,000.000 in cash on hand in order to meet demands of depositors. The situation here, no longer acute, appeared definitely linked references in the Pa 10 let ters sent from Chicago, advising "Rowland" that there was "much progress here" and "considerable runs on jugs in loop." Withdrew New Accounts. Melvin A. Traylor. president of the First National bank and for mer head of the American Bankassociation, blamed the "radicals." He said he believed the "plot to be nation-wide,' and that he had reports from many cities that similar system was used in frightening depositors by anony mous telephone messages. Rowland's letters told of a plan, discussed but abandoned. of starting simultaneous runs in many key cities. Other Chicago bankers told how radicals opened 300 to 400 bank accounts and then withdrew them simultaneously, spreading news of the "run."

11. July 28, 1932 The North Adams Transcript North Adams, MA

Article from The North Adams Transcript, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Secret Service Men Seek Radicals Involved in Plot Search Made Today for Men Responsible for pering Campaign" Aimed Against Some of the Leading Banks of the Country. Chicago, July communistic propaganda found Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by secret service and detectives everywhere the directors campaign against the confidence bank depositors Chicago bankers, government offiMichigan police tatingly blamed party for systematized attack the tegrity of financial institutions many large cities, particularly the runs which every bank in Chicago month. said Smith, attorney Pontiac, have been backed Soviet Russia Foster, communist didate for president, denied his ganization had sponsored ing campaign against the First tional bank Pontiac, that man known George Rowland, whose seditious letters found, member the party. Illinois' drastic sedition viding years' imprisonment and directed against advocates reformation the government by violence any other unlawful means, eyed the handiest should caught and connected with the Pontiac For the letters signed "yours for revolution, discusted "bringing about the unrest which will lead the revolution. Chicago's bank runs closed than institutions, Loop, caused the soundest financial citadels upwards cash hand order to meet demands depositors. longer acute, appeared definitely linked with erences the Pontiac letters from Chicago, advising that there "much here" and "considerable runs on jugs Loop.' Melvin Traylor, president of the First National bank former head the American Bankers' associablamed the "radicals." He said believed the "plot be nationwide,' that he had reports from similar used frightening depositors by anonymous telephone messages.

12. July 28, 1932 St. Joseph News-Press St. Joseph, MO

Article from St. Joseph News-Press, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

BANK PLOTTERS SOUGHT. Widespread Search Made for Men Traced to Pontiac, Mich. CHICAGO. July of Communistic propaganda found in Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and everywhere as the directors of against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government officials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the Communist party for systematized attack on the integrity of financial institutions in many large cities, particularly the runs which every bank in Chicago last month. It was said by prosecuting attorney at Pontac, to have been backed by soviet William Z. Foster, Communist candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored pering against the First National Bank of Pontiac, or that man known as George Rowland, in whose room seditious letters were found, was a. member of the party.

13. July 28, 1932 Spokane Chronicle Spokane, WA

Article from Spokane Chronicle, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Scour Nation for Men Blamed for Bank Runs CHICAGO, July 28. (A)Authors of communistic propaganda found in a Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as directors of a nation-wide campaign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government officials and Michigan police unhesitantly blamed the communist party for systematized attack. on the integrity of financial institutions in many large cities, particularly the runs which threatened every bank in Chicago last month. It was said by C. L. Smith, prosecuting attorney at Pontiac, to have been backed by soviet Russia. Foster Denies. William Z. Foster, communist candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against the First National Bank of Pontiac, or that man known as George Rowland, in whose room seditious letters were found, was member of the party "Rowland" was believed to be really George E. candidate for of borough in New York city and with record for criminal syndicalism in Michigan since last August. He escaped police trap in his raided hotel room and became the object of national dragnet Illinois' drastic sedition law provides 20 years imprisonment for "any who reformation of the government by violence or any other unlawful The letters were signed "yours for the revolution, and some discussed about the unrest which will lead to the revolution. Forty Banks Closed. Chicago's June bank runs closed more 40 and caused the city's soundest financial citadels to store upward of $100,000,000 in cash on hand in order to meet demands of depositors. The situation here, longer acute, appeared definitely linked with references in the Pontiac letters sent from Chicago, advising 'Rowland' that there was "much progress here" and "considerable runs on jugs in loop. Melvin A. Traylor, president of the First National bank and former head Bankers association. blamed the "radicals He said he believed the "plot to be and that he had reports from many cities similar system was used in frightening depositors by anonymous telephone messages. Rowland's letters told of a plan, discussed but abandoned, starting simultaneous runs in many key cities. Other Chicago bankers told how radicals opened 300 to 400 bank accounts withdrew simultaneously, spreading news of the Identify One Man. The American Vigilant Intelligence federation identified Comrade H. Rowland's Cleveland correspondent. as Harry Gannes, director of agitation and propgnda for the New York district. They said he was in Chicago during 1931 when bank runs first became B., Rowland's Chicago informant. they said, was Herbert Newton, alias Gilmer Brady, negro with offices at communist headquarters, who was indicted in Atlanta for criminal syndicalism and now studying sociology at the University of Chicago The federal seditious conspiracy act makes force essential to prosecution for attempts to overthrow the government. Federal men said the secret has no jurisdiction over rumors against banks, but that most state laws make them crimes.

14. July 28, 1932 The Journal Meriden, CT

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

DRAGNET SPREAD FOR LEADER OF PLOT ON BANKS Chicago, July 28. (AP) Authors of Communistic propaganda found in Pontiac Mich. hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as the directors of nation wide campaign against the confidence of bank deChicago bankers, government offi cials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the Communist party for systematized attack on the integrity of financial instittuions in many large cities. particularly the runs which threatened every bank in Chicago last month It was said by Smith, prosecuting attorney at Pontiac. to have been backed by Soviet Russia William Z. Foster Communist candidate for president. denied his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against the First National bank of Pontiac or that man known George Rowland in whose room seditious letters were found was member of the party. "Rowland" was today believed to be George E. Powers, once candidate for president of Queens borough in New York city and with record for criminal syndicalism in Michigan since last August He escaped police trap in his raided hotel room and became the object of a national dragnet.

15. July 28, 1932 The Omaha Evening Bee-News Omaha, NE

Article from The Omaha Evening Bee-News, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Secret Service Acts to Check 'Whispering' Drive Every possible agency the fedgovernment the attempt by state authorisuppress "whispering campaign against the stability the nation's banks. officials deAdministration clared that unchecked such alarmist activities might undo lot the joint efforts by the President Congress to store public confidence banks. with the power and the credit the national treasury squarely back of Secret service agents are ing sweeping of ported banks in many parts of the counPontiac. Mich., search for leaders wreck some the largest and strongbanks the country and to bring revolution Wednesday through the middle west. City and federal officers asked arrest George described of the central in the Pontiac Tuesday. authorities said. when covered he engaged in propaganda destroy the First tional bank there Intendcarry the same structive campaign against Detroit banks. The campaign already had been directed against several Chicago's largest banks with resultant heavy runs not fully explained at the time. The work was being extended throughout Illinois (known "district the plotters) and into other cities Indiana and Michigan. State police raided the room of Rowland in Pontiac Tuesday and seized number of letters but Rowland fled. evidently forewarned.

16. July 28, 1932 Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise Bartlesville, OK

Article from Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

BANK WRECKING Man Hunt Being Staged for "Red" Gang the Associated Press) CHICAGO, of communistic propaganda found Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives the directors campaign against the confidence bank depositors. Chicago Bankers, government ficials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the communist party attack on the integrity financial institutions in many cities, particularly the runs which threatened every bank Chicago last month. said by Smith. prosecuting attorney at Pontiac, to have been backed by soviet Russia. Norman Foster, communist candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against the First Natoinal bank Pontiac, that known George seditious letters member of

17. July 28, 1932 The Evansville Journal Evansville, IN

Article from The Evansville Journal, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

BANK BREAKERS ARE SOUGHT BY U. S. AND STATE COMMUNIST INFLUENCE IS OPENLY H ARGED AS RING IS EXPOSED CHICAGO, July 28-(AP) of communistic propaganda found in Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as the directors of nationwide campaign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government officials, and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the communist party for systematized attack on the integrity of financial institutions in many large cities, particularly the runs which threatened every bank in Chicago last month. It was said by C. Smith. prosecuting attorney at Pontiac, have been backed by soviet Russia. Foster Denies Connection William z. Foster, cominunist candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against the First National bank of Pontiac, or that man known as George Rowland, in whose room seditious letters were found, was member of the party "Rowland, was believed today to be really George E. Powers, once candidate for president of Queens borough in New York City and with record for criminal syndicalism Michigan since last August. He escaped police trap 20 Year Penalty Illinois' drastic sedition law, providing 20 years' imprisonment and directed against "anyone who advocates reformation of the government by violence or any other unlawful means,' was eyed as the handiest weapon should any radicals be caught and connected with the Pontiac literature Chicago's June bank runs closed more than 40 institutions, including two in the Loop, and caused the city's soundest financial citadels to store upwards of $100,000,000 in cash on hand in order to meet demands of depositors.

18. July 28, 1932 Times Record News Wichita Falls, TX

Article from Times Record News, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

'RED' PLOT TO BREAK BANKS Organized Groups in Russia And Believed Back Of DIRECTOR ESCAPES Campaign of 'Whispering' Designed to Cause Runs on Bank PONTIAC. Mich., July 27. plot against large banks of the country described by the state lice officer who unearthed it "bold scheme to wreck the banking structure of major cities" by circulating false rumors, was revealed here today coincident with order for the arrest the man who directed its activities. George Rowland, said to be the director ring cause failure of banks by resulting from rumors they the object of search. Marof police his hotel room here Tuesday and found letters telegrams which showed the methods operations of the described in some quarters composed of radicals seeking naOrganized by Communists prosecuting torney declared plot was Communist groups in United States and backed by Soviets in Russia." Marmon that Rowland the agitation Ohio, Michigan and Illinois." ring directed against the First National bank, officers which recently appealed depositors support the bank after assuring them condition sound. Letters Rowland's room seized Captain the active Cleveland Chicago and ported him. Melvin Traylor president of the bank Chicago, meanwhile said that city reports from every large city the country showed that campaigns rumors have been directed banks. Activities Revealed Washington advices said the spreading such rumors against banks receiving the attention of the United States secret in told of the Rowland's agents Cleveland against the Union Trust company Cleveland Trust the Chicago, referring the First bank other institutions there. Practically the letters "Yours the One written Cleveland, said 'Referring the circulation the false have much trouble ing propaganda this important and the sooner strip the petty bourgeois the collar stiffs his faith banks the sooner bring the that lead to the revolu- Plan Doomed Another, Rowland to "Comrade Cleveland. vealed that plans the ring bring about the country apparently doomed have considered this program simultaneous run against all these institutions and other key institutions through the and would be almost the final against the get them all telegram from Chicago were signed only "Much here. Considerable jugs in Workers and spreadaccounts panicky. This bring results. Party curing but slow Big panicky Will write all details.

19. July 28, 1932 Evening Express Portland, ME

Article from Evening Express, July 28, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Authors Of Communist Propaganda Sought Officials Believe Nationwide Campaign Against Banks Checked-Dragnet Spread For Man In Whose Room Letters Found CHICAGO, July 28. (A. P.)-Authors of Communistic propaganda found in a Pontiac, Mich. hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as the directors of a nation-wide campaign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, Government officials and Michigan police unhesiratingly blamed the Communist party for systematized attack on the integrity of finanical institutions in many large cities, particularly the runs which threatened every bank in Chicago last month. It was said by L. Smith, prosecuting attorney at Pontiac, to have been backed by Soviet Russia. William Z. Foster Communist candidate for President. denied his organization had sponsored R whispering campaign against the First Na. tional Bank of Pontiac. or that man known as George Rowland in whose room seditious letters were found. was member of the party. Illinois' drastic sedition law, providing 20 years imprisonment and (Continued On Page 5, Fifth Column)

20. July 29, 1932 Spokane Chronicle Spokane, WA

Article from Spokane Chronicle, July 29, 1932

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

SCOUR NATION FOR MEN WANTED IN BANK PLOT CHICAGO, July 28. Authors of communistic propaganda found in a Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as directors of nation-wide campaign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, officials and Michigan police unhesitantly blamed the communist party for systematized attack on the integrity of financial institutions in many large cities, particularly the runs which every bank Chicago month. It was said by C. prosecuting attorney at Pontiac, to have been backed by soviet Russia. Foster Denies. William communist candidate for president, denied his ing against the First NaBank Pontiac, man known as George Rowland, in whose room seditious letters found, was member of the party. Illinois' drastic sedition law provides 20 years imprisonment for one the government by violence or any other unlawful The letters were signed "yours for the revolution, and some discussed "bringing about the unrest which will lead revolution. Forty Banks Closed Chicago's June bank runs closed than 40 and caused the city's soundest financial citadels store upward $100,000,000 in cash in order to meet demands of depositors. The situation here. no longer acute, with references the Pontiac letters sent Chicago, advising "Rowland" that there was "much progress here" and 'considerable runs on jugs Melvin Traylor, president of the First National bank and former blamed He said he believed the to be and that reports from many cities similar system used in frightening depositors by anonymous telephone

21. April 13, 1933 Detroit Free Press Detroit, MI

Article from Detroit Free Press, April 13, 1933

Click image to open full size in new tab

Article Text

Studies Judge Culhane Case $90,000 Sought from Pontiac Trust Co. the Trust heirs of the William Culhane estate return approxithe Commercial Bank shortly before under Charles Niles, The heirs allege that trust company about weeks after being of funds from banks the Pontiac the trust the bank and known to the trust company In evidence introduced from the State Banking Depart Smith, former president the bank whose suicide closed bank, him that excessive loans of the total loans had been made officers, and others allied with the bank. of the of Wisner successful candidate for the City Commission April whose found in his home Tuesday, has been ordered by Coroner Voorhees. An autopsy failed the cause of death which to have been the heart dead week when found Funeral services to be held at Thursday from the Voorhees funeral home. Dr Clarence W. McArthur and Dr. Stephen Gordon, dentists, defendants malpractice hearing which started Judge Frank Doty Betty Spencer, Pontiac, the with failing to extract the in pulling one of her teeth with the result that infection developed. More than 80 county 4-H clubs and 800 boys girls participate Day program at Pontiac High School Saturday. Bank Examiner L. F. Burk, Wednesday began First National On his findings largely depends the possibility of reopening bank here. Examinations demanded Ancel Tottingham. 29 years Court Wednesday when they arraigned charges stealing 20 chickens from of Russel Route Holly.