First National Bank of Eugene (Eugene, Or.)

The First National Bank of Eugene began as the Bank of Hendricks and Eakin on December 1, 1883. The bank was founded by Thomas G. Hendricks and Stewart B Eakin, Jr. Two years later the founders decided to "nationalize" and on March 9, 1886, they reopened as The First National Bank of Eugene City; the "City" was dropped in 1906.

Original shareholders were Thomas G. Hendricks at 360 shares. Stewart B. Eakin, Jr. at 100 shares, and G. R. Chrisman, J. M. Hendricks, E. Stewart, and W. R. McCornack at 10 shares each, for a total of 500 shares.

As the bank grew, services were expanded, including the addition of the first unit of safe deposit boxes in July of 1908, establishment of the Savings Department in July 1911, and the opening of the Trust Department in 1915. Growth was enhanced by consolidation with the Chambers-Bristow Banking Company on February 10, 1908.

The banks first president was Thomas G. Hendricks, who served until January, 1917. He was followed by Pe. E. Snodgrass in 1917, A. A. Rogers in 1929, Richard Shore smith in 1931, and Lynn S. McCready in 1945.

In December, controlling interest in the bank was sold to TransAmerica Corporation, a San Francisco based holding company. McCready continued as President until February 8, 1954, when the bank was merged into the First National Bank of Oregon, at which time he became Vice-President and Manager of the Eugene Main Branch. Prior to the merger, two additional branches of the original back were established: the West Eugene Branch in August 1949 and the Springfield Branch in August 1950.

On June 1, 1981, the First National Bank of Oregon became First Interstate Bank of Oregon, an affiliate in a regional banking system covering eleven western states.

From the guide to the First National Bank of Eugene records, 1883-1964, (Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries)