Bloomburg State Bank / Small Town Banks Statewide
The Bloomburg State Bank represents the threat faced by small town banks statewide
The Bloomburg State Bank was organized in 1908 and moved into this three-story building in 1918. Still the tallest building in Cass County, at one time this bank served counties in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. The building also once housed the telephone office and a masonic lodge.
After the owner of the building gave it to the City in 1968, the City later considered it a liability and planned to demolish it. Concerned citizens purchased the building for $1.00 to prevent its demolition. Vacant since the early 1980s, the building continues to deteriorate.
Historic bank buildings are architecturally and culturally significant landmarks because they are often located in the center of town and represent the economic promise of a prosperous community long ago. In the mid-20th century, suburbanization and the demand for drive-through banking led many banks to abandon their historic buildings. Stripped of their purpose and their prideful place in the community, vacated historic banks like this one in Bloomberg often become the victims of neglect.
LOCATION: Bloomburg (Cass County)
DESIGNATION: None
CONDITION: Poor
RESOURCE TYPE: Bank
YEAR LISTED: 2005
