FIRST NATIONAL BANK

Once the Thompson Ruby Building was completed, the existing First National Bank (on the “Round Corner”) was razed in the summer of 1901 to clear its site for Thompson to build a grand monument to his success as a banker and coal-land investor. Thompson had made a fortune by acquiring mineral rights to farmlands in southwestern Pennsylvania for as little as five cents an acre.

Thompson wanted to put his successful and highly regarded bank in a steel-and-brick skyscraper. At 11 stories high, it would dominate the Uniontown skyline. With 750 rooms, he could generate even more income by renting out apartments and offices. To accomplish this task, Thompson hired the famed Chicago architect, Daniel Burnham. And, when a stunning woman, Blanche Gardner (Hunnie Hawes) entered his life and swept the widower off his feet, he had Burnham build his magnificent mansion, Oak Hill.

Thompson became a salesman for the Piedmont Coal Company, who literally owned Oak Hill. He continued to live there, borrowing heavily from the coal company for the privilege of staying in the mansion. By this time he had married a third time, to Rose Stillwagon Maloney. It would be his last marriage. Thompson died of diabetes on September 27, 1933. His skyscraper was purchased by James I. Feather for a sum of $750,000. Feather had arrived in Uniontown from West Virginia with pennies in his pocket. He was smart and industrious. He was at the Jennings Hotel when Captain Adam Nutt was murdered by Nicholas Dukes. Feather lived modestly and neither drank nor smoked.

Uniontown was known for some time as a banking center. At the turn of the century, there were more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the United States

Just before construction was about to begin on the new high-rise building, in May 1901 the First National Bank moved across Main St. into the brand-new Thompson-Ruby building. The move was done one night after the close of business. The relocated First National Bank was ready to resume operations the next morning without missing a beat. Demolition of the former bank started in June 1901, and the first stone of the foundation was set in place on June 16. By the end of 1902 the skyscraper was essentially completed, and First National Bank moved back across Main St. to reopen on March 31, 1903. An underground tunnel was built to connect the two buildings, but, Thompson, who was afraid of fire, feared that a fire in one building could easily spread to the other and so he had it closed. Long after Thompson had died, a fire did strike his bank building. There were no fatalities but over one hundred people had to evacuate. Thompson’s fear of fire was also put into play with the erection of his mansion. He insisted that concrete be poured into the walls and floors. To date, the sisters of Mt. St. Macrina who moved into Oak Hill following the death of Thompson, have to deal with expensive electrical and plumbing repairs because of the concrete.

The First National Bank was “the” place to live in spacious, tastefully appointed apartments. George C. Marshall’s parents lived on the 9th floor. It was there on September 21, 1909, that George’s father died from a heart attack. There is a bronze statue of George C. Marshall on horseback nearby. Another apartment was rented to the family of John Dickson Carr. Carr would begin writing his crime thrillers while living in Uniontown. He would go on to become one of the most famous mystery writers of all time, with many of his novels finding their way to Hollywood’s silver screens.

Today, both buildings, The Thompson-Ruby and the First National, are no longer banks. The rotunda of the First National (Fayette Bank Building) has been beautifully restored and is offered as a venue for events. The Thompson-Ruby is a well-maintained landmark with professional offices.