Though the bank of Meeker has changed tremendously, with name changes and buildings alike, the small town feel has stayed the same. These banks has become very historic, even having a bank robbery, and continues to serve the people of meeker. We will talk about the bank's founding, some of it's rich history, and what the bank is like today. Above you can see a picture of the first Hugus Building which held the Bank of Meeker and down the street to the left is where the bank is now held.
Above is a picture of the Bank of Meeker housed in the Hugus Building.
Founding
The Bank of Meeker was the first bank in the town. This was located in the Hugus Building and lated for many years. Interestingly, this bank is locally famous for it's bank robbery. It was a very long lasting business, standing from 1891 until the early 1900's. The First National Bank of the Rockies is one of the most notable banks in Meeker history as it was the longest lasting. The bank was in business for over 100 years lasting from at the early 1900's to 2014. It started off in what is now the meeker cafe. It then moved to the building on the corner of main and 5th street. It stayed in that building until it was eventually replaced. After 2014, the bank was sold and then turned into the San Juans bank, what it is now.
Above you can see the three bank robbers, all shot and killed during the event.
The Robbery
Undoubtedly one of the most historic events to happen in Meeker, was the Bank of Meeker robbery. On October 13, 1896, three men walked into the Bank of Meeker, armed. With two warning shots, the bank was sent in to chaos. All the employees and patrons in it were disarmed and put in the center of the room. The robbers then forced the employees to give them all the money in the bank. $1,500 was placed on the counter, an estimated almost $400,000 worth today.
Though everything seemed to be going smoothly, lucking someone was outside. Deputy Game Warden W.H. Clark, who heard the warning shots, then gathered up civilians on the streets. Being the 1800's, they were all armed, and happily said they would help. As the robbers forced their captives out in a single filed line, and walked behind them, the citizens geared up. When they got out of the bank, they realized that their options were limited. Choosing a shoot out, they all were heavily shot, as well as a few innocent citizens. Two of the robbers died, and though the other was shot many times, he still was limping down the street. After a few minutes of struggle, he finally fell on the street, eventually dying an hour later.
However, even if the robbers were to make it out, they had forgotten all the money in the bank. Seventeen days after the robbery, three horses, guns, and ammunition were found at a campsite six miles from town. Two of the three horses were able to be nursed back to health. Though this story had a tragic beginning, every civilian hurt was able to make a full recovery after that historic day.
Though everything seemed to be going smoothly, lucking someone was outside. Deputy Game Warden W.H. Clark, who heard the warning shots, then gathered up civilians on the streets. Being the 1800's, they were all armed, and happily said they would help. As the robbers forced their captives out in a single filed line, and walked behind them, the citizens geared up. When they got out of the bank, they realized that their options were limited. Choosing a shoot out, they all were heavily shot, as well as a few innocent citizens. Two of the robbers died, and though the other was shot many times, he still was limping down the street. After a few minutes of struggle, he finally fell on the street, eventually dying an hour later.
However, even if the robbers were to make it out, they had forgotten all the money in the bank. Seventeen days after the robbery, three horses, guns, and ammunition were found at a campsite six miles from town. Two of the three horses were able to be nursed back to health. Though this story had a tragic beginning, every civilian hurt was able to make a full recovery after that historic day.
Today
Even after more than 100 years in business, a robbery, name changes, and many different buildings, the bank (in a way) still stands. Though it may no longer be a Meeker owned bank, the same neighborly felling has and will forever be part of this bank. Take a look inside the San Juans Bank here!
