The Peoples' Bank

[postcard from my collection]

Mr. Netherton became a director of the People's bank, around the time that this new building was opened, directly across the street from the Bank of Santa Cruz. The People's Bank became the Farmers and Merchants National Bank in 1914 (under same management, the advertisements said).

The lower floor is currently "Indegrand Design" (the I.D.). Offices are still rented above it, and I believe it is still owned by Wells, Fargo which bought up many, many local and "people-owned" banks during the Depression.

The history of banking in California, and banks in Santa Cruz in particular, is something I'd like to do more research in.

Santa Cruz Surf, September 28, 1909. Who is Duncan?

An interior. These photos are from UC Santa Cruz Special Collections.