Wakonda State Bank
| Company type | Bank (defunct) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking |
| Founded | 1884 |
| Defunct | 1931 |
| Headquarters | Wakonda , United States |
The Wakonda State Bank, which later became known as the Wakonda Public Library, is a notable historic bank edifice located at 118 Ohio Street in Wakonda, South Dakota. It earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, recognized as an uncommon surviving specimen of early 20th-century commercial design.
History
Founded in 1884, Wakonda experienced considerable growth following the establishment of a Chicago and Northwestern Railroad station. After several fires devastated wooden structures in the early 1900s, the building at 118 Ohio Street was reconstructed using brick after a fire in 1906. Finished in 1913, this brick building served as the town’s bank and withstood a significant fire in 1917 thanks to its masonry construction.
The Wakonda State Bank faced financial hardships during the Great Depression, remaining afloat briefly due to support from local financiers. Nevertheless, it eventually entered receivership and ceased operations in 1931. Subsequently, Security State Bank was launched by investors within the same premises, operating under various titles until 1961, when the building was repurposed as the Wakonda Public Library. The library closed by 2006, and since then, the structure has been utilized by a private enterprise. On August 15, 2003, it was officially listed on the National Register as one of the limited historic buildings still standing in Wakonda’s commercial district.
Architecture
The Wakonda State Bank building is a prime example of Early Commercial style architecture incorporating Colonial Revival elements. It is constructed from locally sourced brick and limestone set upon a stone foundation. The front façade displays limestone blocks at its base with brickwork separated by limestone pilasters into four distinct bays. A flat roof is crowned with an ornamental parapet. Positioned at the northwestern corner of the front elevation, the main entrance is accentuated by limestone Doric columns supporting an entablature and pediment.
Inside, the ceiling features pressed tin and includes a skylight; a small brick chimney is visible on the rear exterior wall. The basement houses a vault room. The structure remains largely intact, preserving its original architectural integrity.