Farmer's and Manufacturer's Bank
| Company type | Bank (historic) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking |
| Founded | 1834 |
| Fate | Became Empire National Bank and relocated |
| Headquarters | Poughkeepsie , United States |
The Farmer's and Manufacturer's Bank edifice, situated at the intersection of Market and Cannon Streets in downtown Poughkeepsie, New York, represents one of merely two surviving commercial buildings in the city designed in the Greek Revival style. This historic structure is located near the Bardavon 1869 Opera House and directly faces both the Dutchess County Court House and the Old Poughkeepsie YMCA, marking it as a prominent heritage landmark within the urban commercial district.
Erected in 1834 and inaugurated the following year, this brick building spans three bays and two stories, showcasing distinctive Greek Revival characteristics including an expansive frieze, pilasters on the ground floor, eyebrow-shaped windows, a decorative balustrade, and a crowning cupola. The brick façade is enhanced with stone detailing, particularly around window frames, while first-floor embellishments feature a stone entablature adorned with dentil moldings and laurel wreath motifs.
During the 19th century, the bank was integral to Poughkeepsie's financial landscape before it transitioned into Empire National Bank and moved to a different location. Among its founding trustees and subsequent presidents was Matthew Vassar, renowned for establishing Vassar College.
The building’s exterior has largely remained intact, with the most notable modification being the removal of its front porch in 1892. Internally, changes included the extension of window openings and a thorough modernization effort carried out in 1953.
In 1982, this property was added to the National Register of Historic Places alongside two other banking institutions on Market Street. Presently, it serves as the premises for Friendly Insurance agency operating under Bob Jankovics Insurance. The preservation of its historical significance is overseen by Elizabeth Burns from Rhinebeck. The only other extant non-residential Greek Revival structure within Poughkeepsie is the former city hall located on Main Street.