Pottstown in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Security Trust Building
Historic Pottstown Walking Tour
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 30, 2009
1. The Security Trust Building Marker
The stone dwelling that originally stood on this ground was built in 1770 by a member of the Potts family. In 1842, Jonas Smith bought it from one of its subsequent owners and opened a store. In 1886, the Security and Iron Banks purchased the property for $27,000 from the estate of the Hartranft Bros. who had become partners in the store in 1847 (Jonas Smith having retired in 1855).
Construction of the bank building was begun in mid 1887. Jacob Fegely supervised the project with E.F. Bernard as architect and Davidheiser & Wiand as contractors. A total of 700,000 bricks were used at a cost of $8.00 per thousand. Samuel Buchanan, a relative of President James Buchanan, laid 13,000 yards of plaster. The stone came from Monocacy and all other materials were supplied locally.
Each bank occupied a side of the first floor until 1915 when the Iron Bank moved out. The Security Co. reorganized as The Security Trust and expanded to the entire first floor. Some of the other original occupants included the Post Office, Western Union, Kings' Daughters Meeting Hall, Young Men's Democratic Hall, A.K. Shaner Real Estate, Guildin, Guilden & Snell and Henry D. Saylor, Attorney-at-Law. Later tenants included Jacob Bahr & Sons and Sanders & Thomas. In more recent years, it has been known as the Fidelity Bank Building.
— David
this page online
Erected 2002 by Greystone Capital Partners and Pottstown 250th Anniversary Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1770.
Location. 40° 14.743′ N, 75° 39.062′ W. Marker is in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, in Montgomery County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Queen Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street. Marker is on the eastern boundary of the Smith Family Plaza, about 50 feet west of the Security Trust Building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pottstown PA 19464, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Weitzenkorn's Clothiers (within shouting distance of this marker); The Shuler House (within shouting distance of this marker); Reading Passenger Station (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Clair Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); The Pottstown News (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Iron Bridge (about 500 feet away); The Elks Home (about 600 feet away); Freight Station - AAA East Penn (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pottstown.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 30, 2009
2. The Security Trust Building Marker
At corner of High and Hanover Streets. Marker is to right, beyond edge of photo.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,207 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 9, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
