Charlotte County Press Releases 
Historical Marker Dedication - The Punta Gorda Bank
P R E S S R E L E A S EFor Immediate Release
Contact Person: Jacqueline Vazquez, Business Services Supervisor
Phone: 941.625.7529
Fax: 941.235.3196
Email: jacqueline.vazquez@charlottefl.com
HISTORICAL MARKER DEDICATION
THE PUNTA GORDA BANK
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (August 27, 2009) – At 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2009, the Board of County Commissioners in conjunction with the City of Punta Gorda will place a historical marker to dedicate the first Punta Gorda Bank.
The Punta Gorda Bank originally opened in 1894 as a branch of the State Bank of Fort Meade by S. P. Hinckley. At this time the bank was housed in a two story frame building, with the bank occupying the ground floor and John H. Farrington, the bank manager, and his family, living above. There were no other banks between Punta Gorda and Key West, requiring travelers to often call upon Mr. Farmington after hours, because of the train schedule. The structure was built by Ziba King at the southeast corner of Marion Avenue and Taylor Street. This building was later destroyed in the fire of 1905.
During the winter of 1896-97, Perry Wadsworth McAdow and his wife, Marian, came to Punta Gorda for a vacation. McAdow was the wealthy owner of the Spotted Horse gold mine in Fergus County, Montana. The couple decided to reside in Punta Gorda rather than return to Montana, and during 1897 McAdow purchased a large holding in the Punta Gorda Bank. He later purchased a large lot on the northwest corner of Marion Avenue and Cross Street. It was at this location, in 1899, that McAdow constructed a building to house the Punta Gorda Bank, as well as other businesses including Earnest Dry Goods, Punta Gorda Trading Company and Wade’s Drug Store, as well as a community social hall known as McAdow Hall. It was at this time that the bank was chartered by the state as a separate bank with a capital of $15,000.
The building was located at the northwest corner of Marion Avenue and Cross Street, the location of the historical marker dedication.
Learn more about this and other Historical Markers throughout Charlotte County and the City of Punta Gorda by visiting Charlotte County’s website @ www.CharlotteCountyFL.com, where you can also find out about other Charlotte County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources events and programs, or call us @ 941.625.7529.
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Release Date: 8/27/2009
