Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Banished Bank
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 6, 2022
1. The Banished Bank Marker
Inscription.
The Banished Bank. . It was a simpler time in 1905 – even banking was easier. A Gwinnett farmer needing a loan could drop by the County Courthouse on any day and meet up with Mr. E. M. Brand who offered money to lend at his outdoor office, positioned on the steps, near the front door. Mr. Brand tried to help the locals but the county officials of the day decided this was not an appropriate place for his business. They banished his bank from the courthouse steps. E.M. knew the importance of a good location, however, so he did not move too far. He erected a building nearby on the courthouse square. His expanded enterprise included three employees and a separate ledger for pig and donkey loans. Today, customers of the Brand Bank can meet E.M.'s great-great grandson who lends money from the same company, in the same general location.
It was a simpler time in 1905 – even banking was easier. A Gwinnett farmer needing a loan could drop by the County Courthouse on any day and meet up with Mr. E. M. Brand who offered money to lend at his outdoor office, positioned on the steps, near the front door. Mr. Brand tried to help the locals but the county officials of the day decided this was not an appropriate place for his business. They banished his bank from the courthouse steps. E.M. knew the importance of a good location, however, so he did not move too far. He erected a building nearby on the courthouse square. His expanded enterprise included three employees and a separate ledger for pig and donkey loans. Today, customers of the Brand Bank can meet E.M.'s great-great grandson who lends money from the same company, in the same general location.
Erected by City of Lawrenceville. (Marker Number 6.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Believe It or Not series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 33° 57.384′ N, 83° 59.32′ W. Marker is in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in Gwinnett County. Marker is at the intersection of East Crogan Street and North Clayton Street, on
Click or scan to see this page online
the left when traveling east on East Crogan Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 106 E Crogan St, Lawrenceville GA 30046, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 6, 2022
2. The Banished Bank Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 234 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
