A chapter in Orleans’ history came to a close Jan. 28 when the town’s Fifth Third Bank location shut its doors for good.
Robert Henderson, the town’s clerk-treasurer, executive director of the Orleans Chamber of Commerce and a local historian, noted a bank had occupied the corner of Maple and East Washington streets for more than 112 years.
“When Fifth Third turns off the lights later today it will be an end to another era for little Orleans,” Henderson wrote on the day of the closure.
The institution was first established in the town in 1891, just slightly to the north of its current location, under the name of Hicks and Stout. It changed its name to the Bank of Orleans in 1893 and became the National Bank of Orleans on Sept. 1, 1900, Henderson related. That first bank location would later house Dillinger’s Barber Shop and later Elmo Wolfe’s Barbershop.
The bank built a new structure on its current corner in 1907. That building was demolished to make room for the current structure in 1973.
“Even though many area banks were forced to closed after the 1929 stock market crash, the Bank of Orleans remained open,” Henderson shared. “In fact, the Bank of Orleans was one of the first banks allowed to reopen after President Franklin Roosevelt ordered all banks to close in order to be reviewed for soundness during the Great Depression.”
Laura Trujillo, Fifth Third vice president and senior manager for public relations, explained, “Fifth Third continually evaluates its branch network for changes. We use advanced analytical capabilities to reach location decisions. As customer preferences and activities shift with more transactions moving online, we continuously look to evolve and optimize our branch network to ensure that we’re operating as efficiently and effectively as possible. We carefully consider our branch distribution, considering dozens of key factors including branch visits, deposit levels and demand for credit. Fifth Third has expanded its network of fee-free partner ATMs, including two partner ATMs in Orleans, and several more within a few miles of town.”
She said Fifth Third Orleans branch employees were offered roles in Bloomington and Jasper.
