First National Bank (Waukegan, IL)

Episode Information

Episode UID
94501599
Episode Type
Run β†’ Suspension β†’ Reopening
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
9450 national
Charter Number
945
Start Date
March 1, 1933*
Location
Waukegan, Illinois (42.364, -87.845)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
c5442eda2812362f

Response Measures

Accommodated withdrawals, Capital injected, Full suspension, Books examined

Description

State/federal banking holiday (March 4) led to moratorium; later stock sales/waivers and conservatorship procedures enabled reopening in May.

Events (6)

1. March 28, 1865 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. March 1, 1933* Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Multiple heavy withdrawals and three severe runs on the First National bank in Waukegan prior to the statewide/federal moratorium.
Measures
Remained open and paid withdrawals until the national/state bank holiday moratorium curtailed operations.
Newspaper Excerpt
Three severe runs, each of which would have closed ordinary institution, have served mereemphasize the unassailable position of the First National bank.
Source
newspapers
3. March 4, 1933 Suspension
Cause
Government Action
Cause Details
Illinois/state and effective national banking holiday/moratorium declared (March 4) suspending normal banking operations.
Newspaper Excerpt
New York and Illinois Declare Holidays... Illinois banks ordered to close for three days
Source
newspapers
4. March 16, 1933 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Steele and the directors agreed... that the request conservator the best action for the city whole. It would provide facilities, and allow the resumption of bus- ... under the bank relief legislation ... to help plan and bring about such adjustments as may be neces- (conservatorship planning).
Source
newspapers
5. May 4, 1933 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Shares numbering yesterday surrendered stockholders the First National bank the first toward the reopening of the ... shares placed with the Conserva... pending approval ... Comptroller Currency (stock surrender toward reopening).
Source
newspapers
6. May 19, 1933 Reopening
Newspaper Excerpt
OUT OF THE MORATORIUM ... the First National bank of Waukegan ... reopened without the wasteful process of liquidation. Their confidence has returned at last, in time to keep the bank from being permanently closed.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (11)

Article from Evening Star, March 4, 1933

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# EARLY U. S. ACTION # PLANNED ON BANKS New York and Illinois Declare Holidays-Only Four States Unrestricted. (Continued From First Page.) Connecticut took similar action, bring- ing to 43 the list of States in which restrictions on withdrawals are opera- tive in some form or another. Only Montana, Colorado, North Da- kota and South Carolina remained without restrictions at noon today. Delaware's banks were open, but the State Legislature has already taken emergency action. These developments had brought from Representative Rainey, the next Speaker of the House, the prediction that "an extra session of Congress will be called at the earliest possible time." He said he felt that early next week, possibly Tuesday, would not be too soon. Pre- viously Rainey had told House mem- bers-elect to remain in Washington. Others at the Capitol said the session probably would begin Wednesday. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York was closed with all other bank- ing institutions of that State. The Federal Reserve Bank at Philadelphia also closed, under a holiday declared throughout Pennsylvania by Gov. Pin- chot. Later in the day the Minne- apolis Federal Reserve Bank suspended business. The closing of the New York Federal Reserve Bank meant the tying up of its huge gold reserve for the period of the holiday against withdrawal by either domestic or foreign agencies. In discussing the banking relief pro- gram, Senator Robinson said: "We do not know just when it will be completed, but it will be expedited all possible. The details can not be announced right now but you may be assured there will be no delay." Wagner Plans Action, Previously Senator Wagner, Demo- crat, of New York, had told newspaper men he would carry immediately to Democratic leaders an appeal for imme- diate emergency banking moves. In- formed at his hotel here of banking moratoria in New York and Illinois. Wagner said he would appeal this morn- ing to Democratic leaders to begin working out a program and some time this afternoon would call on Mr. Roose- velt with the same objective. A bank holiday, he said, "is the only thing to do" to meet the emergency of the banks themselves, but he added quick steps are necessary to enable them to reopen and continue opera- tions. Harvey Couch, Democratic member of the Reconstruction Finance CorpoΠ³Π°- tion, was the first White House caller this morning. He said after a brief conference with President Hoover he had discussed "matters incident to the banking situation," but declined to give details. Couch conferred last night with President-elect Roosevelt. Officials in Conferences. High officials both of the outgoing Republican and incoming Democratic administrations were in conference most of the night. Secretary of the Treasury Mills said afterward the Hoover administration would have no statement, but that governors of the Federal Reserve banks in Chicago and New York would have announcements. Demands Impossible. The hours between midnight and dawn saw banking officials in many States struggling with the problem, made acute by the flurrying of nervous- ness on the part of depositors. As a statement by the New York Clearing House Committee put it: "The unthinking attempt of the pub- lic to convert over $40,000,000,000 of deposits into currency at one time is, on its face, impossible." The statement added that the condi- tion clearing house banks is such that "they could, through the facilities of the Federal Reserve Bank, pay on de- mand every dollar of their deposits," but that withdrawals throughout the country as a whole have increased so that a "halt" is necessary "to enable the proper authorities to consider and adopt remedies to meet this situation, not for New York primarily, but for the Nation as a whole." Only a few States remained today in which restrictions on withdrawals had not been invoked. No Holiday in Virginla. In Virginia, Gov. Pollard said no general banking holidays would be de- clared because the State's laws already protect the banks and their depositors. In Maryland, the General Assembly early today approved the emergency banking legislation without a dissenting vote in either House. Gov. Ritchie signed it this morning, but said that the banking institutions of the State will not reopen Monday. The resources of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation earlier had been made available to hard-pressed, but solvent banks in States that have imposed moratoria on withdrawals. This was one of a number of de- velopments yesterday that included introduction of legislation to allow postal savings checking accounts and to confer upon the incoming admin- istration sweeping authority to main- tain the security of deposits. Reconstruction Corporation officials said their policy called for lending in- stitutions if the loans were well secured enough money to pay the percentage of deposits that could be withdrawn, provided the banks did not have the funds immediately available. It was emphasized this was not a new departure, but was simply the ap- plication of regulations decided upon for individual instances in the past to a situation spread into a number of States. Pinchot's Statement. Gov. Pinchot of Pennsylvania here for the inauguration issued the follow- ing statement: "Because of the declaration of a bank holiday in New York, Illinois and most of the other States, similar action in Pennsylvania has become unavoidable. "Were our banks to remain open, the demands upon them would impose an impossible burden. "Therefore, upon specific recom- mendation of Gov. Norris of the Phila- delphia Federal Reserve Bank, I hereby declare a bank holiday throughout Pennsylvania on Saturady, March 4, 1933, and Monday, March 6, 1933." Exchange Statement. A statement issued by the Govern- ing Committee of the New York Stock Exchange said: "The Governing Committee at a meeting held this morning in order to give full effect to the banking holiday declared by the Governor of the State of New York directed: "First, that the exchange be closed during such holiday: "Second, that members and firms registered on the exchange be pro- hibited from making any contracts for the purchase or sale or the borrowing or lending of any securities, and also from permitting their offices or facili- ties to be used for the purpose of mak- ing or carrying out any such contracts; "Third, that all deliveries be suspend- ed on all member contracts, except on such contracts as may be cleared by or settled through the Stock Clearing Corporation, and that in such cases deliveries shall be made as the Stock Clearing Corporation shall direct


Article from The Buffalo News, March 4, 1933

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ILLINOIS BANKS ORDERED TO CLOSE FOR THREE DAYS CHICAGO. March general three-day holiday Illinois was early urday extended Chicago financiers and Gov. Henry Melvin the First National made announceeffect Saturday. Monday and Tuesday Traylor closing upon signed by The the reopen March may ited per cent. during the following eight Gov. Horner said the past several days have been conference banks Illinois effort the course tion has bank states surroundIllinois and the counthe banks this state would strain has them. This hour issued statement effect holiday The has made The banks paid more in the past effort tide also expected the national government might regard The picture has materially changed Friday day banks the banks and association the Federal Bank Chicago, deem the welfare citizens the protection bank referred my issued The Federal Reserve bank of Chijoined holiday and no gold Saturday would not reopen "until conditions


Article from Star Tribune, March 5, 1933

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Nation's Leaders Lay Plans to Restore Financial Normalcy. (Continued From Page 1.) orders and gave checks for the balRailroad companies emergency ened credit and that travelers would not left stranded of difficulities. MECHANISM OF STILL By Claude Jagger Editor. York, March great United States stood still took office promising emergency action. the banks of New York well New the Chiboard trade and other and exchanges the closed. Financial and government offi. in York, Washington and other cities bent their efforts development procedure permit tran business settlements The banking holiday movement February finally the big Wall Street and La Salle End Tuesday in Y. The end in New York in and other states. from picted nation with good cheer unparalin the dustrial the United States. the meet ordinary living expenses failed to develop any and banks number localities vided cash meet and commerce functioned interference. with the practice extending credit or accepting The New York clearing house and banks in other to develop methods of banking operations next week. Affects World. apparent the hysterical and futures, also closed convert deposits dealers checked transact the be extended to ridieu- sources supply for fresh Arrangements made to extend for resuming banking personal credit. chiefly methods LONDON PRAISES records real MOVE By closely tinized. that house the European capitals New York and other result the American bank leading house Tourists cash checks used by travel tle transactions some extent agencies and some London foreign currency. was seen lack confi- gold. Currency rather rates Europe are based the lack dollar and there was some facilities. brought out the possibility adopting the French explained, there currency backwould for the for exchange than amount issued now far above that The foreign exchange policy days for Monday not certain. Amerithe branch 1928 statement was by the the of the bank. supplementing the right The statement, which result stock closed dull after the quiet session. Friday. Friday's report, had CLEARING HOUSE TO ISSU through account New March foreign and the largest Issuing clearing house certifireported single Saturday. the conduct however, that after there trade the expiration of state banking Tuesday had held for foreign account worked out Saturday by sulting the addition of that New York Clearing House association. amount stocks metal This left the nation's gold stock At meeting that lasted through. the end the week about the large more than third York city commercial banks decided all the gold in the this and about above the means facilitating commerce reached last June medium. sult of the large of metal during Mortimer N. Buckner, president the spring said the certifi. Saturday's holiday was the first be printed over the week and would ready for emergency stopped tion on Monday. The transactions exports of the previous metal the which certificates from October, to June. of 000 such the stock exchange paper in circula. was the time trading has been halted in this by Clearing are pa. when the effect per based deposits and war jointly though the bull 1928 and sued of banks They the selling late 1929 forced restriction hours per. the pointed out may was mit clerical forces catch the work. sible also taken November of 1929 trade provided those clerks had been clearing working night and day. would tion this plan, explained. After the closing the exchange avoid of an excessive the end July, 1914, amount of no trading currency. permitted until restricted dealings in bonds RICH EXPLORER WEDS. London. March M. trading again started in 25-year-old stocks. explorer. married today millionaire Frau. TERMS OF HOLIDAY LISTED Illinois for cash Saturpay for holiday decreed Horner. The and before Saturday all banking second center of the defied for usual, ready the full But these tions. Horner remained close touch with bankers. Terms the holiday All banks in Illinois directed close Saturday, Monday and The effect of the virtual banking the United States. world's richest nation third the world's supply gold. brought tional financial transactions much of the In London. long the world center international American and all foreign exchanges suspended quotations on gold. result. foreign exchange standstill time the dollar had not leading tals The and Chicago the owing general bank holl. formal issued federal reserve board Washington reserve banks San Francisco and open, Kansas tution transacted for territory The closing the New serve bank checked the large gold for port which had developed. The treasury New York open redeemed treasury certificates for usual, paid out bars, doing no business Bankers Hold Meetings. reopening Wednesday for period banks must of deposits March to paid the March any shall and held subject dated be honored. the midnight March In the fortnight had Chicago alone, report with 141 banks 36 leading seventh reserve district for the week ended The board of trade closed along with the Chicago stock and changes, stopping trading grain cotton futures. Immediate steps taken, however, to maintain Leading New York bankers held meetings the York clearing and Saturday sessons through Friday night and early Saturday morning. resulting March Governor Lehman's proclamation ordering two-day legal holiday. which The net demand deposits of the house banks were reduced ended market for grain. Saturday weekly clearing house At world's greatest packing statement leaving the farmer still able total Shipments Bankers explained the rush Monday the Chicago to convert bank will checks rency had point which the Banks taxed facilities the the After nn the banks and the federal reserve exchange. another tem plans was called the house Tuesday. the York banks The Mercantile exchange, mam that they market for futures trading facilities the on demand but to call One of the new halt dise" styles just reNew York but of the nation ceived priced at No Currency. Banking authorities there currency cilities, actual currency, but that had become Imperative check the rush for cash, preserve the and efficient practice doing business through and prevent an currency which be when hysteria had The people the the that the the the that the hig are strong blanket the noon closing hour: persons access to safety deposit swallowed up large amounts of rency this encountered no dif. ficulties. Financial authorities explained that 90 per cent the nation's was normally transacted through the medium checks Home and pointed out that total currency Shoe In circulation, the record fig. ure of shown in report, only fraction the Bates bank deposits in the country,


Article from The Buffalo News, March 6, 1933

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ILLINOIS BANKS ORDERED TO CLOSE FOR THREE DAYS CHICAGO, March general three-day Illinois was urday extended Chicago financiers Gov. Henry Horner Melvin president First National made will effect Saturday Monday and Tuesday Traylor closing upon banks signed the reopen may limited per cent. during the follow ing eight statement by Gov. Horner said "For the past several the effort best emergency spite holidays surrounding Illinois and the the this state the has This was this that holiday Illinois time. greatest effort has such necessity The banks paid more in the past tide also been the might that regard has by The picture has changed Friday Finally after day of unprecefrom the the House banks the the Federal now the welfare the protection depositors have funds, declare the bank day referred my proclamation issued The of Chiholiday and was Saturday not reopen conditions


Article from Waukegan News-Sun, March 7, 1933

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DEMOCRAT OFFICIAL NOTE To Remain Closed Until Gov. Horner Instructs Officials To Obey Woodin. CHICAGO. March Uncertain what action to take. officials Illinois banks kept in constant touch with Washington interpretation of Secretary the Treasury Woodin's new regulations The Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Chicago, largest bank of and accepted deposits for time but ceased doing after conferences between bank officials and communications Washington. In addition declining to accept deposits, of the banks did not drafts food shipments, other purposes described necessary by Secretary Woodin. There clearing house assomeeting however, and the outcome was expected banks with definite program Most the bank officials said variations between Secretary Woodin's lightened declared for Illinois last week Henry Horner made them hesitate modified basis. ned to proclamation lattoday authorizing Illinois banks follow made by the The national banks were informed by national bank that they should obey Secretary Woodin's and disregard the provisions of the state Under Horner's proclamation of last week, banks would reopen tomorwith per cent restriction on withdrawals for the next days. Several Illinois cities solved the problem medium of exchange by issuing scrip backed currency. Springfield. Urbana, and Peru were among the towns taking such action. The Federal Chicaready certifireceived from Washington Town Board Votes To Throw Out Democratic Ticket On Legal Technicality. The Zion township Democratic ticket today was ordered off ballot by the town election hearing held in the sheriff's office, the same time similar started against Independent candidates Cuba township them the The Zion board voted two ticket. Supervisor Thompson Town Clerk Hueneryager voted for rejection and Justice the Thomas McEwen for acceptance the slate. This only the Voliva ticket in the field. No Sworn Statements Attorney Joseph Bishop, the firm of Bishop. Carey LaRose. argued petitions were there was statements attached the petition. Earl Cook counsel for the argued that the petitions substantial conformity with the requirements prescribed The objection the Independent candidates Cuba township filed by Bishop Besides the alleged deficiency sworn statements candidacy there defects in these petideclared. May If action will leave candidates Citizen's tion. This ticket headed pervisor Harold D. Kelsey, Kelsey and Town Clerk Grom. are members the Cuba and candidates the Citizen's Bishop asked County Judge Persons point two other members their be Woller and Cornelius Snyder, Republican and Democratic precinct committeemen Cuba township. This hearing day morning and be held the county building room designated by the sheriff.


Article from Waukegan News-Sun, March 8, 1933

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FIRM AS ROCK Whatever trials and tribulations this community has suffered in the past three years, may thank its stars for the fact that it has least one financial institution which has remained firm. is the First National bank, of which Charles Steele is president. Run run has failed to shake the financial foundations this institution. While other banks have closed their doors in the face of unremitting pressure, the First National bank has been open for business usual. Nothing less than national moratorium was necessary to interrupt ts daily grind. Never before has Waukegan appreciated the value of strong bank. the keystone of the community's financial structure. Without the business merchants, wage earners and thousands of others would be at loss to transact their daily business. They would have to revert to the days of trade and barter and suffer all the inconveniences attending that transition. Three severe runs, each of which would have closed ordinary institution, have served mereemphasize the unassailable position of the First National bank. Each day reveals that its strength that of Gibraltar. Waves may beat against time and again, but stands firm, source of confidence and medium of service.


Article from Waukegan News-Sun, March 10, 1933

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VICTIM OF TWO CHECKS MAY BE BANDITS Merchants Propose That The Industries Issue Checks In Small Denominations. meeting merchants called the instance Chamber merce, brought whereby business may issued tomorrow and checks supplies bank The necessary local scrip forestall unusual pending opening bank, next Monday have asked the payroll checks and them goods viding the checks issued without giving back too amount they limited and for then change $20 check The heads definitely quested indications were that majority them would folplan. The checks would issued the First National bank Waukegan The meeting attended by practically all and large number Some because already Chicago and New York tions for cash enough to cover their payrolls Officials Abbott Laboratories announced that they obtained cash enough employes' payroll checks which did not clear the bank after the last pay day ago Monday. Available will also bi-monthly payroll due employes next Monday


Article from Waukegan News-Sun, March 16, 1933

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CHAMBER AND BANK DIRECTORS MEET The Chamber of today the and the Chamber at o'clock this the Karcher which Charles Steele the First National bank and the be present. The bank officials are asked to explain the present situation. William D. Jones, cashier the and its directors, stated that Steele in Chicabut was expected back Waukegan o'clock this afternoon, and he returned would be present the meeting. Even though Steele does not back Jones assured Theodore the Chamber the directors the would attend the o'clock meeting. and withdrawals only on the new It amounts, substantially to ing line through the the bank and starting top old business. The old business then will be the deposit liability met as the bank The deposit Hability of the First National $2,500,000 about $1,000,000 less than when the Lake County State bank of North Chicago failed, which started quiet withdrawal funds that culminated an $500,000 run March the the National moratorium effective. Steele and the directors agreed. Steele that the request conservator the best action for the city whole. It would provide facilities, and allow the resumption of bus- The text of the brief statement issued by directorate and signed "Board of the First tional bank of was as follows: "Owing to the fact that the retary the treasury has license First National bank Waukegan reopen, the board deemed advisable and that under the bank relief legislation sible, bank service the munity under the act and to help plan and bring about such adjustments as may be neces- The only Information available to the officials the bank that the government has failed to on the certificate permit conservatorship is constru- (Continued on Page 2. Column "


Article from Waukegan News-Sun, May 4, 1933

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STOCKHOLDERS TURN SHARES Shares numbering yesterday surrendered stockholders the First National bank the first toward the reopening of the There are outstanding report available Charles president of the issued the following statement meeting of stockholders of the First National Bank of Waukegan held the banking May 3rd plan the Federal Departof tentatively subject the approval the shares placed with the ConservaWilliam Jones pending approval the the Comptroller Currency The meeting was then adjourned until some future


Article from Waukegan News-Sun, May 18, 1933

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HOPE TO END STOCK SALE IN FEW DAYS Bank Employes Busy Checking Waivers; Enough Are In Cover Per Cent Of Deposit Liability. With more shares stock sold First National the remaining block sold consisted shares. Charles Steele, president. stated today. Waivers signed the bank and crew seven employes were midway checking the waivers determine the percent deposit liability of the were reached. The stock purchasers today included Johnson Motor Frederic Mrs Ethel Edwin Carroll Hazel Howard With the Chamber of Commerce completing part its toward opening the bank. headquarters today were moved the First National bank where waivers can be signed stock purchases pledged. Persons located by the committee selling stock waivers asked the bank part the transaction be completed. Hazel William Harry Rossiter, Dr. Percival Pearce. Attorney Miller Hopes Are High the special committee the WaukeganNorth Chicago Chamber of Comfeels certain that waivers the next hours definitely the this phase the bank He hopes that stock sale will the Steele certain all requirements are that the actually can open. There are details. he believes. with the comptroller currency may call delay several days all These, however. expects be minor little consequence in the consumption of During the day numerous persons bank signing waivers. them coming villages and farms the western part the county.


Article from Waukegan News-Sun, May 19, 1933

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OUT OF THE MORATORIUM Much of the financial gloom that been hovering over the city of Zion has been removed its banks. The Zion with the reopening of two bank reopened several weeks ago, while the First the shackles of the State bank of Zion removed moratorium early this week. With both of its financial institutions functioning again, Zion the first communities in takes its place among to confidence and the to find the road county better business. Both of the Zion banks reopened under auspicious circumstances. Their reports show strong financial sufficient protect the money backing, of the depositors and to prevent ruinous tions. In announcing the reopening of the First State bank of Zion, William Finn, the president of the institution, uttered few words that heart in Lake should be taken to by everyone county, for they express the sentiment that has pulled many banks out of the moratorium rut. was the loyalty of our people in having never made run on the bank," Mr. Finn said, "that prompted our outside directors, that is, the men who do not live in our community, to contribute the cash which helped to reopen our Continual were what put the First National bank of Waukegan such condition that could not reopen directly after the moratorium. Had the people of Waukegan shown more confidence in their one surviving bank, it would not have been forced to through all the red tape that has featured the negotiations of the past two months. It is to be hoped that they have learned their lesson. During the past week the people of Waukegan and North Chicago have responded generously to the call to save the bank from liquidation. They have signed waivers and bought stock, making it possible for the institution to reopen without the wasteful process of liquidation. Their confidence has returned at last, in time to keep the bank from being permanently closed. May it be more lasting than the previous brand.