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Fostoria, Ohio, November 21, 1957 Review-Times, Page 18

Andrew Emerine's Collection Of Toy Banks
One of Finest In Nation

 

Display May Be Seen On Mezzanine
Floor At First National Bank

 

     On the mezzanine floor of the First National Bank of Fostoria may be viewed one of the outstanding coin bank collections of the country. This colorful array of museum items collected by Andrew Emerine, is systematically arranged in large wall cases and represents the survivors of many thousand of their kind, that were presented to the youngsters of eighty years ago.
     Most of the banks are of cast iron and from 1870 to 1900 were the principal product of several eastern foundries, Stevens Foundry at Cromwell, Conn. being the largest producer. They were sold from the general and hardware stores at prices from $1.00 to $3.00 and given to the youth with the thought of instilling thrift.
     They were made in a wide variety of characters and subjects — biblical, historical, comical, sports, Chinamen, Indians, Irishmen, elephants, frogs, pelicans, Jonah and the Whale, Red Riding Hood, William Tell, Christopher Columbus, Uncle Sam, John Bull, Teddy Roosevelt; about three hundred different banks, each one performing its particular stunt on it’s acceptance of a coin.
     Most of these banks are of American make, the greater number of them having been obtained from the east, although there is scarcely a state that has not yielded a bank or two. Five English banks, including a “John Bull,” came from England. Three from the Canary Islands, several from Canada and the most prized one in the lot, the Freedman bank, made in Bridgeport, Conn., was purchased from an antique dealer in Mexico City.
     Old mechanical banks are rated in several classifications as to their value and desirability. Where there were but fifty made of one variety, the present day survivors may be five banks, these being regarded as rare items and find ready sale at $200 to $300. Where they may have been 3000 of a kind produced, as was the case with the Eagle, these now sell for $25. The Freedman and the Harlequin are two banks that command the highest prices. Each has sold at a price in excess of $600. There are four Freedman banks known to exist.
 
Many Of The Banks Are Classified Among Most Wanted By Collectors
     Thirty years ago these old banks were plentiful, many homes had one stored in the attic, they could be found in the antique shop and the village general store, and could be had at a price double or treble the original retail cost. There were but two other collectors in the country advertising for banks and it was not a difficult matter to gather them in. As time passed, more collectors entered the field and gradually the banks became more scarce and the price advanced accordingly.
     In addition to the banks in the museum, there may be seen a display of Automatona. Musical dolls in action, acrobats, walking figures, boy with pewter dish containing soap suds, into which he continually dips his pipe, places it to his lips and blows bubble after bubble; U. S. Grant seated in chair, smokes with satisfaction, turning his head and puffing out smoke leisurely; women in action at churn; lady at wash-tub, in action on washboard, and a singing bird in gilded cage.
     There are also extremely rare sand toys, where by turning a toy upside down the sand trickles down on a cardboard wheel, action is transmitted to figures, resulting in banjo and violin players, dancer and dog all going into action.
     There is no claim made that this is the best collection in the country; although it does compare favorably with five of the leading collections. The Saturday Evening Post, under the title “The Sorcerer of Fostoria” devoted two pages, with colored prints, to this collection, and it has been twice featured on WSPD television, Toledo, Ohio.
 
Variety Of Characters And Subjects Portrayed In Coin Operated Banks
     The story referred to appeared in The Saturday Evening Post under date of May 3d., 1947, accompanied by colored illustrations, and related to a collection of old time mechanical coin banks and clever old mechanical toys owned by Mr. Emerine. This assembly of interesting and rare objects is the result of twenty five years of collecting what may be regarded today as one of the outstanding displays of museum items of its kind.

 

   



THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
Fostoria, Ohio                  Bloomdale, Ohio


Picture of Progress
75 YEARS OF BANKING SERVICE TO FOSTORIA AND AREA
Swinging Axes and horse drawn plows wrote the first chapter of Fostoria’s History
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK WAS HERE
Then came the mud streets, general stores, gas lights, hitching posts
THE FIRST NATIONAL WAS HERE
The courage and capitol of its citizens shaped the Future of Fostoria, transformed their vision into reality, and, fed by ever increasing might of business, industry, agriculture and education, Fostoria has grown to what it is today. AND …
THE FIRST NATIONAL IS STILL HERE
    
     We started in 1882, and since then have given our community 75 years of continuous and uninterrupted banking services. In fact, we are now serving the fourth and fifth generations of many families.
     Fostoria and First National Bank have grown side by side for three quarters of a century. What’s more, we have kept pace with the ever changing times, and, today, as yesterday, we offer banking services that are sound and dependable, modern and efficient.
     The beginning has no ending. The promise of tomorrow is even greater provided we produce the modern pioneers to challenge and conquer today’s problems and our new frontiers.
     From growth springs opportunity. These opportunities are unlimited if we present a united front supported by tireless and unselfish effort on the part of all of us in seeing to it that Fostoria forges ahead with the continued mark of progress that is sure to come to those communities willing to plan and work for it.
     We are proud of Fostoria. We are also proud to have had a part in the growth and progress of our locality. We are optimistic about the possibilities that lie ahead; and deem it our responsibility to contribute in every way we can to the continued growth and welfare of this great community of ours.

The Human Side of  a Bank Statement
MONEY AT WORK
     At first glance our statement may appear to be only a cold, mathematical record. Actually, however, each and every figure represents a warm human story in the lives of hundreds of people THE FIRST NATIONAL serves daily.
     Take the figures representing * * * “SAVINGS AND TIME DEPOSITS — $5,350,991.00.” This is money our customers have safely salted away against a rainy day; and for future needs for themselves, their families and their business. A splendid example of thrift and foresight.
     “LOANS AND DISCOUNTS — $5,734,731.32.”  Another of our many important services. These are loans to individuals which enable families to purchase and improve their homes, buy needed home appliances, automobiles, farm machinery, etc., or to meet some financial emergency. Loans to business and industry, both large and small; farm loans for purchase, operation, and improvement of farms and farm homes, feeder loans, etc.
     These loans are playing a big part in improving our community; creating jobs and maintaining steady employment; and in general stabilizing our economic life.
     “DEMAND DEPOSITS — $7,138,148.67.”  These are checking accounts by individuals, businesses and corporations for the safe, economic and convenient handling of their active funds; paying bills by check, etc. “Over 90% of the business transactions in our country are paid by bank check.” And so on we might continue through the various items.
     A COLORFUL CHAPTER IN THE STORY OF MONEY AT WORK IN OUR COMMUNITY.
    It Exemplifies the adaptability of an outstanding public service institution geared to serve the needs of both large and small.
SAFETY
     “CAPITAL ACCOUNTS — $1,063,031.17.”  The extra margin of safety for depositors’ funds.
     Plus the fact that 56% of our total deposits are in Cash and Government Bonds (non-risk assets.)
     This, plus our high grade investments, soundly made loans, and experienced management, is the reason we continue to use the slogan, “Sound policies and faithful performance for 75 years.”
 


 

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