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CITY NATIONAL BANK BUILDING (1909 - S.155)
PARK INN HOTEL, MASON CITY, IOWA (1909 - S.156)
Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned by attorneys, James E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Markley made Wright's acquaintance while visiting his daughter during her stay at the Hillside Home School, in Spring Green, Wisconsin, run by Wright's aunts, Jane and Ellen C. Lloyd Jones. During 1907 and 1908 Wright visited Markley in Mason City. Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel in early 1909 and construction began April 1, 1909. When Wright left his practice and went to Europe with Mrs. Edwin Cheney in late October 1909, his chief draughtsman, William Drummond, continued supervision of the construction which was completed in August 1910. The Hotel was opened under the management of John Sundell. The second floor originally held the legal offices of Blythe and Markley to the east and about 14 guest rooms to the west; 24 guest rooms made up the third floor. In 1926 the Bank building was purchased by A. A. Adams. It was drastically remodeled and converted to a clothing store. The Park Inn ceased operations as a hotel in 1972. In 1973, the upper floors were renovated into apartments. The Park Inn Hotel and City National Bank buildings were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. (Condensed from Full article.) HISTORY OF THE PARK INN HOTEL AND CITY NATIONAL BANK PARK INN HOTEL & CITY NATIONAL BANK BUILDING
Date: 1910 Title: Wasmuth Tafel IV (Plate 49), Bank and Park Inn Hotel in Mason City, Iowa,
Date: 1910 Title: Wasmuth Tafel IV (Plate 49), Bank in Mason City, Iowa,
Date: 1910
Title: City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Ground and Floor Plan 1910 (1909 - S.155-156).
Description: 1) Copy photograph of the Ground and Floor plan for the City National Bank and the Park Inn published in Ausgefuhrte Bauten Plate IL (49T). Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 1-1. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Plan, ground floor of bank and hotel. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 0094.75.0510Date: 1910
Title: 2) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Hotel Ground Floor Plan 1910 (1909 - S.155-156).
Description: Copy photograph of the Hotel Ground Floor Plan for the Park Inn published in Ausgefuhrte Bauten Plate IL (49T). Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 1-2. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Plan, ground floor of hotel. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 0094.76.0510Date: 1910
Title: 3) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Bank Second Floor Plan 1910 (1909 - S.155-156).
Description: Copy photograph of the Second Floor Plan for the City National Bank published in Ausgefuhrte Bauten Plate IL (49T). Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 1-3. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Plan, second floor of bank building. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 0094.77.0510Date: 1910
Title: 4) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective 1910 (1909 - S.155-156).
Description: Copy photograph of the Perspective for the City National Bank and Park Inn published in Ausgefuhrte Bauten Plate IL (49T). Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 3-1. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Persp., dwg and floor plan. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 0094.78.0510Date: 1910
Title: 5) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective 1910 (1909 - S.155-156).
Description: Copy photograph of the Perspective for the City National Bank and Park Inn published in Ausgefuhrte Bauten Plate IL (49T). Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 3-2. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Persp., dwg. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 0094.79.0510Date: 1910
Title: 6) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective 1910 (1909 - S.155-156).
Description: Copy photograph of the Perspective for the City National Bank and Park Inn published in Ausgefuhrte Bauten Plate IL (49T). Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 3-3. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Persp., dwg main facade. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia. 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 0094.80.0510Date: 1910
Title: 7) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective 1910 (1909 - S.155-156).
Description: Copy photograph of the Perspective for the East Facade of the City National Bank published in Ausgefuhrte Bauten Plate IL (49). Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 3-4. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Persp., dwg. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia. 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 0094.81.0510Date: 1910
Title: 8) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective 1910 (1909 - S.155-156).
Description: Copy photograph of the Perspective for the East Facade of the City National Bank published in Ausgefuhrte Bauten Plate IL (49). Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 3-5. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Persp., dwg. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia. 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 0094.82.0510Date: Circa 1910
Title: City National Bank under construction
Detail of left image:
City National Bank under constructionDate: 1910
Title: Park Inn, Mason City, Iowa 1910. Real Photo Postcard of the Park Inn.
Description: Part of the City National Bank Building complex completed in 1910. Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned by attorneys, James E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Markley made Wright's acquaintance while visiting his daughter during her stay at the Hillside Home School, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel in early 1909 and construction began April 1, 1909. Construction was completed in August 1910. Lamps have not yet been installed to the exterior of the building nor have the street lights been installed. Sign reads: “Park Inn. Now Open For Business.” Sign lower right reads: “Heinsen’s Oysters. Received Fresh Dailey.” Text on face: “Mason City Iowa. Washburn.” Verso: “Post Card.” Left: “Messages.” Right: “Address.” Text stamp box: “X Kruxo X. Kruxo (vertically on the left and right), One Cent Stamp Here (center), X Kruxo X.” Kruxo manufactured real photo postcards from 1910 - 1920's.
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0094.104.1023Date: Circa 1910 Title: Park Inn, Mason City, Iowa. Circa 1910 (1909 - S.156)
Description: (21869) Park Inn, Mason City, Iowa. Circa 1910. Part of the City National Bank Building complex completed in 1910. Very early image, before any signage or lamp posts. Exterior light fixtures have not been installed. Text upper right: "Park Inn, Mason City, Iowa." Postmarked "Sep 17, 1912." Verso: Divided back. Left: "This Space For Writing Messages." Right: "This Space for Address Only." Text: "R.T. -21869."
Size: 5.4 x 3.4
S#: 0114.03.1204
Date: 1911
Title: Park Inn, Mason City, Iowa. Circa 1911 (1909 - S.156)
Description: Real photo pasted to face of postcard. Photograph circa 1911. Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned by attorneys, James E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Markley made Wright's acquaintance while visiting his daughter during her stay at the Hillside Home School, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel in early 1909 and construction began April 1, 1909. Construction was completed in August 1910. Lamps have been installed to the exterior of the building and the street lights have also been installed. Stores have been opened, but no signage has been installed. Text: "Souvenir from (in photo:) The Park Inn, Mason City Ia." Ton verso: "Post Card. For Correspondence. St. Paul Souvenir Co., St. Paul. Made in St. Pa
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0104.39.1023Date: 1912
Title: City National Bank, Mason City, Iowa 1912 (1909 - S.155)
Description: View of the City National Bank from the Northeast. The Park Inn Hotel can be seen in the background to the right. Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned by attorneys, James E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Markley made Wright's acquaintance while visiting his daughter during her stay at the Hillside Home School, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel in early 1909 and construction began April 1, 1909. Construction was completed in August 1910.
Size: Original 8 x 10 B&W photograph.
S#: 0114.28.0519Date: Circa 1912
Title: City National Bank (far right in left picture)
Detail City National Bank (far right)
Date: Circa 1912
Title: City National Bank, Mason City Circa 1912 (1909 - S.155).
Description: (21875) Very early image of the City National Bank and Park Inn Building. Text upper right: "City National Bank Building, Mason City. Iowa." Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned by attorneys, James E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Markley made Wright's acquaintance while visiting his daughter during her stay at the Hillside Home School, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel in early 1909 and construction began April 1, 1909. Construction was completed in August 1910. Verso: Divided back. Left: "This Space For Writing Messages." Right: "This Space for Address Only." Text: "R.T. -21875."
Size: 5.4 x 3.4
S#: 0114.38.1122Date: Circa 1912 Title: City National Bank, Mason City Circa 1912 (1909 - S.155).
Description: (21876) "City National Bank, Mason City. Iowa." Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned by attorneys, James E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Markley made Wright's acquaintance while visiting his daughter during her stay at the Hillside Home School, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel in early 1909 and construction began April 1, 1909. Construction was completed in August 1910. Verso: "Bloom Bros. Co. Scenic America. Post Card. Bloom Bros. Co., Minneapolis, Minn." Divided back. "Correspondence Here. RT-21876. Address Here." Postmarked possibly "Aug. 5 1914."
Size: 3.4 x 5.4
S#: 0114.18.1015
Date: Circa 1912 Title: Park Inn Rates
Description: Rooms starting at 75c, Dinner 30c
Date: Circa 1912
Title: City National Bank, Mason City Circa 1912 (1909 - S.155).
Description: "12056. South Main Street, Mason City, Ia." City National Bank is on the far right. Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned by attorneys, James E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Markley made Wright's acquaintance while visiting his daughter during her stay at the Hillside Home School, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel in early 1909 and construction began April 1, 1909. Construction was completed in August 1910. Verso: "Pub. By The Acmegraph Co., Chicago." Divided back. This side for the Address." Postmarked "Sep 2 - 13."
Size: 5.4 x 3.4.
S#: 0114.21.1216Date: Circa 1912
Title: City National Bank, Mason City Circa 1912 (1909 - S.155).
Description: View of Main Street looking North. The City National Bank building can be seen on the left. Text on face: “12041. North Main Street, Mason City, Ia.” Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned by attorneys, James E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Markley made Wright's acquaintance while visiting his daughter during her stay at the Hillside Home School, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel in early 1909 and construction began April 1, 1909. Construction was completed in August 1910. Verso: “Post Card. This Side For The Address.” Vertical text left side: “(W) Pub. By The Acmegraph Co., Chicago.” Top left, Logo: “The Acmegraph Co., Chicago.” Postmarked “Mar 30 1914.”
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0114.43.0224Date: Circa 1912
Title: Park Inn, Mason City, Iowa. Circa 1912 (1909 - S.156). "12048. Park Inn, Mason City, Ia."
Description: Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned by attorneys, James E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Markley made Wright's acquaintance while visiting his daughter during her stay at the Hillside Home School, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel in early 1909 and construction began April 1, 1909. Construction was completed in August 1910. Verso: "Pub. By The Acmegraph Co., Chicago." Divided back. This side for the Address. Verso has the same back as S#114.21 which is postmarked "Sep 2 - 13."
Size: 5.4 x 3.4
S#: 0114.25,0718Date: Circa 1912
Title: Park Inn, Mason City, Iowa. Circa 1912 (1909 - S.156).
Description: Read Photo Postcard. Text on face: "Park Inn Mason City Ia - X185." Three signs read: "Rosebud - Cigars" (left). Written on the glass in window below: "Billiards." Center: "Park Inn. European." Right: "cafe." Sign in window: "cafe. J. H. Sundell." There is a waitress standing in the window. Verso: "Post Card. Correspondence Here | Name and Address Here." Stamp box on verso: " AZO ." Published by AZO. AZO manufactured cards between 1910 to 1930. Real photo postcard.
Size: 5.4 x 3.4
S#: 0114.26,0718Date: Circa 1912
Title: Park Inn, Mason City, Iowa. Circa 1912 (1909 - S.156).
Description: Upper text on face: "Park Inn, Mason City, Iowa." Text lower right: "8278." Three signs read: "Rosebud" (left). Center: "Park Inn. European." Right: "cafe." This is the exact same image as S#114.26. But there is an automobile in the street. The image for this postcard was either taken at the same time, or the automobile was added. Verso: "Post Card. For Correspondence | For Address Only." Stamp box on verso: "Place Postage Stamp Here."
Size: 5.5 x x 3.5.
S#: 0114.37.0821Date: Circa 1912
Title: Park Inn, Mason City, Iowa. Circa 1912 (1909 - S.156).
Description: Perspective view of the Park Inn. Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel in early 1909 and construction began April 1, 1909. Construction was completed in August 1910. The Park Inn sign has been installed, and the balcony has been landscaped. Text on face: "Park Inn. European. J. H. Sundell, Prop. Mason City, Iowa." Text on verso: "New Park Inn Hotel. European. Mason City, Iowa. J. H. Sundell, Proprietor. Telephone 138. cafe Open All Night. Grill in Connection. Merchants Lunch at Noon. We Strive to Please. Absolutely Modern. Rooms Without Bath, $1.00 Up. Rooms with Bath, $1.50 Up. Light Sample Rooms."
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0114.41.0923
Text on verso: "New Park Inn Hotel. European. Mason City, Iowa. J. H. Sundell, Proprietor. Telephone 138. cafe Open All Night. Grill in Connection. Merchants Lunch at Noon. We Strive to Please. Absolutely Modern. Rooms Without Bath, $1.00 Up. Rooms with Bath, $1.50 Up. Light Sample Rooms."Date: Circa 1914
Title: City National Bank, Mason City Circa 1914 (1909 - S.155).
Description: “City National Bank, Mason City. Iowa. 3” Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned by attorneys, James E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Markley made Wright's acquaintance while visiting his daughter during her stay at the Hillside Home School, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel in early 1909 and construction began April 1, 1909. Construction was completed in August 1910. Two street lights have been added outside on the sidewalk. A sign on the far left side has been added and reads: “Mossman & Barsalou. Lands.” Mossman & Barsalou are on the lower level and the entrance is down the stairs on the far left. There is also a sign tat reads “Shine Parlor Downstairs. Verso: “Post Card. Message | Address. American Post Card Company, Mason City, Iowa.” Real photo postcard.
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0124.58.1023Date: Circa 1914
Title: City National Bank, Mason City Circa 1914 (1909 - S.155). Real Photo Postcard.
Description: View of Main Street looking South. City National Bank is on the far right. A barber shop pole is outside the front left corner of the bank. Both automobiles and horse drawn buggies are using the street. Street car tracks are embedded in the street. Electric wires overhead would indicate electric street cars. Lettering at the top of the building on the left reads “City Bank.” Possibly the building the City National Bank used before the building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on face: “Main St. South From State. Mason City, Iowa. - 6167.“ Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned by attorneys, James E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Markley made Wright's acquaintance while visiting his daughter during her stay at the Hillside Home School, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel in early 1909 and construction began April 1, 1909. Construction was completed in August 1910. Verso: “Post Card.” Text in the top right corner: “Genuine Photograph.” Vertical text on left side: “L. L. Cook Company, Lake Mills, Wis. 8-4.” Center vertical text dividing two sides: “Sterling Quality.” Real photo postcard.
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0124.61.0224Date: Circa 1914
Title: City National Bank, Mason City Circa 1914 (1909 - S.155).
Description: View of Main Street looking North. City National Bank is on the left. A barber shop pole is outside the front left corner of the bank. Both automobiles and horse drawn buggies are using the street. Street car tracks are embedded in the street. A street car can be seen in the distance in the center of the street. Text on face: “South Main St., Mason City, Ia.“ Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned by attorneys, James E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Markley made Wright's acquaintance while visiting his daughter during her stay at the Hillside Home School, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel in early 1909 and construction began April 1, 1909. Construction was completed in August 1910. Verso: “Post Card. Address.” Lower left: “<W>.” Lower right: “Plate 6082.” Postmarked: “Mar 10 - 15.”
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0124.62.0224Date: Circa 1914
Title: City National Bank, Mason City Circa 1914 (1909 - S.155). V
Description: iew of Federal Avenue at night. City National Bank is on the left. Street car tracks are embedded in the street. .Text on face: “Federal Ave., At Night, Mason City, Iowa.“ Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned by attorneys, James E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Markley made Wright's acquaintance while visiting his daughter during her stay at the Hillside Home School, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel in early 1909 and construction began April 1, 1909. Construction was completed in August 1910. Verso: “Post Card. This space for writing message. This space for address only.” Center vertical text dividing two sides: “C. T. American Art.” Code: “R-46986.” Note: This C.T. Code dates the card as 1914.
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0124.63.0224Date: Title: City National Bank Interior
Date: Circa 1915-1920s
Title: Park Inn
Park Inn Circa 1915-1920s Detail
Date: Circa 1915-1920
Title: Park Inn Hotel (1909 - S.155)
Description: "Park Inn Hotel Coffee Shop, Mason City, Iowa, Phone 289. "ËśAir Conditioned", Park Inn, Lounge, cafe. Mason City's Finest. Close cover before striking. The Ohio Match Co., Wadsworth Ohio." The Ohio Match Co. was founded in 1895. It became the largest match producer in the world, producing 300 million wooden and paper matches a day. The Ohio facility covered 18 acres. In 1928 the company was purchased by Diamond Match Co. The first telephone service was installed in Mason City in 1878. An ad dated Oct 14, 1915 listed the First National Bank Building phone as 289. Other businesses also listed the same number. Early phone systems had an operator that would manually connect the call to the recipient via a switch board. Includes one photograph. Printed one side.
Size: 1.5 x 4.
S#: 0128.12.0712
Date: Circa 1915 Title: Park Inn, Mason City, Ia.
Description: Published by E.C. Kropp, Plate 6072. Part of the City National Bank Building complex built in 1909. Very early image, signage installed, but before lamp posts were installed in the street.
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0128.08.0109
Date: Circa 1915
Title: North Main St., Mason City, Ia.
Description: City National Bank (on left)
Detail: North Main St., Mason City, Ia.
City National Bank (on left)Date: Circa 1915 Title: South Main St., Mason City, Ia. City National Bank (on left),
Date: Circa 1915
Title: City National Bank, Mason City, Iowa, Circa 1915 (1909 - S.155).
Description: View of Central Park, Mason City. It is across the street from the City National Bank and the Park Inn. The ity National Bank can be seen on the far right. Text: “Central Park, Mason City IA.” Verso: “Post Card. Address.” Lower left: “<W>.” (The letter W within a diamond.) Right: “Plate 6080.” The verso matches S#0128.08. Possibly published by E.C. Kropp.
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0128.72.0124Date: 1918 Title: City National Bank
Date: Circa 1919
Title: Letterhead. The City Trust & Savings Bank, Mason City, Iowa. Circa 1919.
Description: W. V. Escher, President. Hugh M. Gilmore, Vice President. Ralph Lloyd Jones, Cashier. Printed over in a thick black line (J. F. Shaible, President. F. H. Cotton, Vice President). Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned in 1909 by attorneys, James E. E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Records indicate that City Trust & Savings Bank was established in 1917, and that in 1919, W. V. Escher was President, H. M. Gilmore was V.P. James Blythe was a Director of the Bank. Of interest is the illustration. It shows the older original building to the left, that was there when the City National Bank Building was built. "City Trust and Savings Bank" can be seen above the entrance. But it does not show the Park Inn to the right. The "Journal of the American Bankers Association" July 1918 - June 1919, indicates that W. V. Escher was elected president City National Bank succeeding James E. Blythe, and J. A. Parden was appointed cashier succeeding J. F. Shaible. W. V. Escher was also elected president of the City Trust and Savings Bank succeeding J. F. Shaible. With the Farm Crisis in the early 1920s, banks failed all across the state of Iowa. City National Bank was among those forced into bankruptcy, resulting in the sale of the bank and its conversion into retail and office space. In 1926, the building was purchased by A. A. Adams, and renamed the Weir Building. Printed on a warm gray stock with the watermark "Commerce Bond". Two sheets.
Size: 10.9 x 8.4
S#: 0141.06.0413, 0141.07.0413
Date: Circa 1920
Title: Letterhead. The City National Bank & The City Trust & Savings Bank, Mason City, Iowa. Circa 1920.
Description: E. G.. Dunn, President. Hugh M. Gilmore and J. A. Parden, Vice President. R. P. Palmer, Cashier. C. E. Brooks, L. W. Sherman, and C. I. Snyder, Assistant Cashiers. Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned in 1909 by attorneys, James E. E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a building for their bank. Records indicate that City Trust & Savings Bank was established in 1917. Dunn was listed as President of City National Bank in 1920. "Trust Companies of the US" indicates the R. P. Palmer was President of City Trust & Savings in 1920, and Dunn, Palmer, Blythe and Parden as Directors. Of interest is the illustration. It shows the newer building to the left, that was built later than the City National Bank Building. It shows the Park Inn to the right. With the Farm Crisis in the early 1920s, banks failed all across the state of Iowa. City National Bank was among those forced into bankruptcy, resulting in the sale of the bank and its conversion into retail and office space. In 1926, the building was purchased by A. A. Adams, and renamed the Weir Building. Printed on a warm beige stock with the watermark "Cranes Japanese Linen". One sheet.
Size: 11 x 8.4
S#: 0142.09.0413
Date: Circa 1924
Title: City National Bank, Mason City Circa 1924 (1909 - S.155)
Description: Real Photo Postcard. View of State Street, Mason City. The City National Bank Building is on the far right. Accordning to Wright on the Park, “In 1922, after the farm crisis of 1920, the City National Bank closed its 1910 location and was merged with another local bank. By 1925, four of the five Mason City banks present in 1920 had failed. The City National Bank building was sold separately in 1926 and underwent an unsympathetic remodeling into a new commercial use in that year.”
This postcard is postmarked “Oct 13 1924.” The sign on the corder of the building reads, “Laird Clothes.” This might indicate that either the new owner of the building leased it to the clothing store, or it was sold in 1924, not 1926.
Text on verso: “Post Card.” Postmarked: “Oct 13 1924.” Real Photo Postcard.
Size: 5.5 x 3.4
S#: 0164.17.0324Date: Circa 1930 Title: City National Bank after Remodel
Date: Circa 1940s Title: Park Inn
Date: Circa 1950s Title: City National Bank
Date: Circa 1950s Title: Federal Ave (formerly Main)
Description: City Nat. Bank (on left, out of pic)
Date: Circa 1968
Title: 1) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective Circa 1968 (1909 - S.155).
Description: View of the Park Inn Hotel from the North. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 4-3. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Ext., main facade. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 1757.29.0520Date: Circa 1968
Title: 2) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective Circa 1968 (1909 - S.155).
Description: View of the Park Inn Hotel from the Northeast. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 4-1. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Ext., hotel facade. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 1757.27.0520Date: Circa 1968
Title: 3) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective Circa 1968 (1909 - S.155).
Description: View of the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel from the Northeast. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 4-2. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Ext., oblique view of hotel facade. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 1757.28.0520Date: Circa 1968
Title: 4) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective Circa 1968 (1909 - S.155).
Description: View of the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel from the Northeast. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 4-5. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Ext., oblique view of bank building. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 1757.31.0520Date: Circa 1968
Title: 5) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective Circa 1968 (1909 - S.155).
Description: View of the City National Bank from the Northeast. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 4-6. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Ext., oblique view. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 1757.32.0520Date: Circa 1968
Title: 6) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective Circa 1968 (1909 - S.155).
Description: View of the City National Bank from the Northeast. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 4-7. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Ext., oblique view. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 1757.33.0520Date: Circa 1968
Title: 7) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective Circa 1968 (1909 - S.155).
Description: View of the City National Bank from the Southeast. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 4-4. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Ext., facade. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 1757.30.0520Date: Circa 1968
Title: 8) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Detail Circa 1968 (1909 - S.155).
Description: Detailed view of the ornamental brick. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 4-8. City National Bank Building and Hotel. Ext., detail of ornament. Mason City, IA, USA, 1909. Wright, Frank Lloyd. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 1757.34.0520Date: Circa 1968
Title: 9) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Detail Circa 1968 (1909 - S.155).
Description: View of the bronze sculpture "Spirit of Mercury" created by Richard Bock. Wright's design for the bank included four "Spirit of Mercury" statues over the teller cages in the building. When the building was remodeled in 1926, the four statues were removed. One statue went to the library. Another to a Wright-designed Trier Residence (1956 - S.398) in Johnston, Iowa. This was photographed in the Trier Residence. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 7-2. The Spirit of Mercury. Full view. Bock, Richard. Bronze. Private collection of Paul Trier. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 1757.35.0520Date: Circa 1968
Title: 10) City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, Iowa, Detail Circa 1968 (1909 - S.155).
Description: View of the bronze sculpture "Spirit of Mercury" created by Richard Bock. Wright's design for the bank included four "Spirit of Mercury" statues over the teller cages in the building. When the building was remodeled in 1926, the four statues were removed. One statue went to the library. Another to a Wright-designed Trier Residence (1956 - S.398) in Johnston, Iowa. This was photographed in the Trier Residence. Text on sleeve: "Wright, F. L. - City National Bank, 7-1. The Spirit of Mercury. Full view. Bock, Richard. Bronze. Private collection of Paul Trier. U of Virginia FAIC." Acquired from the archives of the University of Virginia.
Size: 35mm Color slide, sandwiched between glass, plastic mount.
S#: 1757.35.0520Date: 1977 Title: Mason City, Iowa, An Architectural Heritage (Published by Mason City Department of Community Development)
Author: Forward by: Kenneth E. Kew, Mayor
Description: An inventory of historic and architecturally significant buildings in Mason City. Many Prairie style examples. Includes Wright's City National Bank, adjoining Park Inn (Cover, Pg 23) and the Stockman House (Pg 53). Cover is a reprint from the Wasmuth Portfolio Tafel IV (Plate 49), "Bank in Mason City, Iowa" (1910).
Size: 8.5 x 11.
Pages: Pp 82
S#: 2023.03.0306
Date: September 1977, Title: Photographed by Robert Thall
September 1977 Details
Date: September 1977
Title: Photographed by Robert Thall
Detail on the right
September 1977 Details
Date: 1982 Title: City National Bank "Spirit of Mercury" designed by Richard Bock (1909 - S.155).
Description: Frank Lloyd Wright's design for the bank included four "Spirit of Mercury" statues over the teller cages in the building. When the building was remodeled in 1926, the four statues were removed. One statue went to the library. Another to a Wright-designed Trier Residence (1956 - S.398) in Johnston, Iowa. Label taped to verso: "Richard Bock: Spirit of Mercury for Frank Lloyd Wright's City National Bank, Mason City, Iowa, 1908." Stamped on verso: "Feb 23 1982."
Size: Original 8 x 10 B&W photograph.
ST#: 1982.45.1014
Date: 2010
Title: The Historic Park Inn Hotel and City National Bank (Soft Cover) (Published by Wright on the Park, Inc. Mason City, Iowa)
Author: Haun, Katherine
Description: Back Cover: The Historic Park Inn Hotel and City National Bank was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in his early architectural period called Prairie School. Wright was commissioned by J. E.. Markley and James Blythe to design a modern bank, office, and hotel building on the prominent corner of State and Main (now Federal) Streets in the bustling city center of Mason City, Iowa. Characterized by wide overhangs, low proportions, and use of natural building materials, Wright's work on the building and a home for Dr. G. S. Stockman set the tone for an explosion of Prairie School architecture in the city. The bank and hotel structure gained international prominence and influence through its inclusion in Ernest Wasmuth's 1910-1911 Berlin production Ausgefuhrte Bauten und Entwurfe von Frank Lloyd Wright... (First Edition)
Size: 11 x 8.5
Pages: Pp 90
ST#: 2010.41.1019HISTORY OF THE PARK INN HOTEL AND CITY NATIONAL BANK
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Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned by prominent Mason City attorneys, James.E.E. Markley and James E. Blythe to design a business block that would include a new building for their bank. It is recounted that Markley and Blythe intended to construct "quality in lieu of "quantity referring to a new building under construction by their competitor across the street, First National Bank.
Markley made acquaintance with Wright through visits to his daughter during her term at Hillside Home School, run by Wright's maternal aunts, Jane and Ellen C. Lloyd Jones. During 1907 and 1908 Wright was a frequent visitor at the Markley home in Mason City. Wright was commissioned to design both the City National Bank and Park Inn Hotel structures in early 1909 and construction began about April 1, 1909 as planned. Wright made regular visits to Mason City to supervise the construction; these visits caused little public notice. When Wright abruptly left his practice and went to Europe with Mrs. Edwin Cheney in late October 1909, his chief draughtsman, William Drummond, continued supervision of the construction which was substantially completed in August 1910. Total cost of the Park Inn building was $90,000.
The Hotel was opened under the management of John Sundell. A September 10, 1910 Mason City Globe Gazette article praises Mr. Sundell in making Mason City famous for its splendid hostelry in just three short weeks. The Park Inn Hotel was described as a "model whether in the domain of eatery or sleepery, or perhaps to be more correct -- in cuisine and comfort. A description of the Park Inn Hotel from the Globe article is as follows:
It is a marvelously well planned hostelry, every room of that 61 rooms but one being an outside room with art glass French windows, mahogany furniture, Cadillac tables, brass beds with box mattresses, lavatories with hot and cold water, luxurious bath rooms - everything new and sanitary and comfort wooing, with double the fire escapes provided by law, and with equipment and service nowhere excelled in the newest and most modern taverns of the Big cities.
In fact with the quaint ventillated doors, the French finish in hard pine with the bungalow effect in the Architecture, a guest feels that he is living in one of those delightful Craftsmen homes which is so restful because of its quiet and broad lines, harmonious proportions and well selected tints of walls and ceiling.
A mezzanine room or balcony overlooking the office and cafe where the orchestra plays on special occasions, utilized for rest and writing room for the ladies parlor on the second floor that with French windows leads to a delicate balcony overlooking the park; and a spacious guest room for the gentlemen in the basement for reading and correspondence, well lighted and well ventilated are features which at once attract attention and elicit generous praise from the public.
But boniface Sundell has taken especial pains with the other factor of a successful hotel -- the dining department. He has provided both cafe and lunch parlor to accommodate every taste and every pocket book. The cafe is a sumptuous nook with a number of private compartments for small dinner parties leading from the main room all artistically furnished with the parti colored art glass to give it the mellow tints by day and unique electric effects for brilliancy by night. A competent corps of waiters are on hand to tender the most deferential and prompt attention and chefs manufacture the cuisine not only tempting but satisfactory to the most critical bon vivant. There seems to be an erroneous idea that the cafe is only for the guests of the hotel, but it is for the service of the general public as much as the lunch parlor on the west of the office which has commanded a record patronage since the first day of the opening.
The lunch parlor is delightful. The tables, chairs, counters, sideboards and serving tables are all in Flemmish on the Mission style, and one does not need to evoke his imagination to feel that he is in one of the famous Dutch or Flemmish rooms of a metropolitan tavern. The service is a la carte with a noon businessmen's lunch for 35 cents for those who desire it and the service and cuisine are as tempting as in the more elaborate cafe. The lunch parlor is open all night but the cafe is closed at eight o'clock but banquets, and theatre parties are served later in latter by giving previous notice. Sunday music will be provided for the cafe patrons at noon and in the evening, the well known Gates" orchestra having been secured. Their music will be a distinct addition to the gastronomic pleasures of the menu following. The Sunday dinner is table d'hote and served for the remarkably reasonable price of 50 cents.
With its completion, the Park Inn symbolized the arrival of culture and tasteful opulence to "this exploding Prairie town. Cultured citizens could take satisfaction in this building designed along lines equal to those in the most sophisticated areas of the world. The design of the City National Bank and Park Inn buildings through their publication in the Wasmuth Portfolio (a collection of Wright drawings) had a major impact on European architects after its publication in 1910. Created during Wright's early years, the Park Inn is an excellent example of Prairie School design featuring open floor plans, low overhanging eaves and horizontal planes. This style was primarily used for private residence, but infrequently used for commercial buildings. Wright later used the unique style and elements of the Park Inn in conceptually designing six additional hotels, including the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. The Park Inn Hotel sits across the street south from Mason City's Central Park. This park is one of only a few dedicated green spaces set within an urban environment in Iowa. It is obvious Wright utilized this natural resource when designing the Park Inn in the placement of windows to maximize the view of the park. The second floor originally held the legal offices of Blythe and Markley to the east and about 14 guest rooms to the west; 24 guest rooms made up the third floor.
The Park Inn ceased operations as a hotel in 1972. In 1973, under new ownership, the upper floors were renovated into apartments although not drastically altered. At some point over the next 15 years, maintenance was neglected and by December 1988 the apartments were in such bad condition that the City white tagged them and relocated the tenants. The upper floors have since remained unoccupied. The upper floors were not drastically altered even during the 1973 renovations.
The main floor of the building has suffered the most serious alterations over the years to accommodate the needs of various business occupants. Non-period improvements have been removed exposing several original architectural features.
Significance
The Park Inn Hotel was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most prominent Twentieth Century American architects. Its Prairie School design, which made Wright famous, is a significant presence in Mason City, Iowa. In the entire Midwest, Mason City possesses a notable inventory of structures designed by Wright and other renowned architects (Walter Burley Griffin, William Drummond and Barry Byrne) in the American architectural movement called the Prairie School. Mason City is the home of the Rock Glen/Rock Crest National Historic District, the largest grouping of Prairie School homes unified by a common natural setting in the United States. The City National Bank, adjoining the Park Inn Hotel, is noted to be the best of the two remaining Wright-designed banks. As the only remaining Wright-designed hotel, the Park Inn is internationally significant both architecturally and historically.The Park Inn Hotel and City National Bank buildings were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Because of its deteriorated condition the Park Inn Hotel was listed on the "Ten Most Endangered Historic Properties" by the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance in 1999. The Park Inn Hotel gained national and international attention after being designated as a "Save America's Treasures" official project by the White House Millennium Committee in 2000.
(Note, due to the fact that the internet is constantly changing, and items that are posted change, I have copied the text, but give all the credits available.)
PARK INN HOTEL & CITY NATIONAL BANK BUILDING: A BRIEF HISTORY
http://www.wrightonthepark.org/history
In 1907, when James E. Blythe and J. E. E. Markley, the two partners of a prominent Mason City law firm were looking for an architect to compete in quality with the eight-story bank building that would be built across the corner by a competing bank, they didn't hesitate to give the commission to Frank Lloyd Wright. He was the young architect who was building a reputation in the Chicago area, and Markley's experience of Wright was first hand. His two daughters were students at the Hillside Home School in Spring Green, Wisconsin where the older daughter had matriculated in 1902, the year its new school building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright had been completed.
For them Wright would build a complex, multi-purpose building that would give multiple income streams. Their office would be on the second floor of the building's narrower central waist and the hotel's east wing, surrounded on the south by a two-story banking room with rental office space above and, on the north, by a 42-room hotel, with basement shops beneath the Bank and Hotel. Wright managed to pack all these functions into an aesthetically well-integrated building that architecturally would be the bridge between Wright's Prairie School period and his Midway Gardens and the Imperial Hotel to follow.
Wright's drawings of the bank and hotel are dated from as early as December 17, 1908. Construction was begun on the first of April, 1909, with supervision by Wright until his departure for Europe in late October of that year. At that time William Drummond from Wright's Oak park Studio took over the supervision of its construction and designed a nearby Prairie style home during his visits.
The law office of developer-owners Blythe and Markley was open for business on August 29, 1010, with the gala opening of the entire structure September 10 of that year. Wright returned to the Midwest from his year in Europe in October, 1910.
By contemporary Iowa standards the Park Inn Hotel was very up-to-date with beautiful public spaces including its dining room with a sky-lit stained glass ceiling and a mezzanine balcony between it and the front lobby. The balcony looked down into both the lobby and dining area. A second floor ladies parlor opened through a loggia of stained-glass French doors onto a balcony that cantilevered over the sidewalk, with a wonderful view of Central park across the street. The basement men's lounge below the lobby was well lit by eight-foot plate glass windows below sidewalk level, protected from the sidewalk by concrete curbs and a brass rail.
The hotel had forty-two rooms that were small by our present standards. Most of the rooms had a shared bath between pairs of rooms. There were no private baths. Nevertheless, in 1910, the Park Inn Hotel was the symbol of upscale elegance in our small industrial city that was growing by leaps and bounds in population and across its entire economy. Industrially, it was a microcosm of our nation's industrial expansion in the early 20th century.
Unfortunately for the Park Inn Hotel, Mason City's industrial expansion led in 1922 to the completion of an eight-story 250-room hotel with a large restaurant, ballroom and other upscale facilities. Its large rooms had private baths - facilities equal to the best the state could offer. The Park Inn Hotel was no longer the number one hotel in town and began a gradual decline ending with its closure in 1972.
In 1922, after the farm crisis of 1920, the City National Bank closed in its 1910 location and was merged with another local bank. By 1925, four of the five Mason City banks present in 1920 had failed. The City National Bank building was sold separately in 1926 and underwent an unsympathetic remodeling into a new commercial use in that year.
HOW WRIGHT AND THE PRAIRIE SCHOOL CAME TO MASON CITY
Mason City was the first city in the State of Iowa to have a building by Frank Lloyd Wright, but it came about on a visit by Wright to design his Park Inn Hotel - City National Bank building completed two years later. It was another forty-one years before the next Iowa client commissioned Wright to build a home. How this first house came about involves an interesting story.
The wife of J. E. E. Markley, one of the two partners of a prominent Mason City law firm was an ardent Unitarian and looked forward to the one or two occasions each year when an inspiring Unitarian preacher from Chicago would come to Mason City to preach. The man's name was Jenkin Lloyd Jones, and two of his sisters ran a progressive school in Spring Green, Wisconsin, following the educational principles of John Dewey.
It was natural that the Markley's would like to have their two daughters educated by sisters of this wonderful man who Frank Lloyd Wright knew as his "Uncle Jenk". They could put their daughters on the Milwaukee Railroad train as it passed through Mason City bound for Chicago and have them taken off in Spring Green. The first of the Markely daughters began high school there in 1902, the year the building Wright built for his two spinster aunt's "Hillside Home School" first opened. It was a spectacular limestone building in the "Prairie Style" and made a deep impression on Marion, their first daughter to matriculate there, and on her parents.
In 1907, when the two law partners were looking for an architect to compete in quality with the eight-story bank building that would be built across the corner by a competing bank, they didn't hesitate to give the commission to Frank Lloyd Wright, the young architect who was building a reputation in the Chicago area. For them he would build a complex, multi-purpose building that would give them multiple income streams. Their office would be on the second floor of its central waist surrounded on the east by a two-story banking room with rental office space above and a 42-room hotel on the west with basement shops beneath the two major building segments. He managed to pack all these functions into an aesthetically well-integrated building that architecturally would be the bridge between the Prairie School and Midway Gardens and the Tokyo Imperial Hotel to follow.
It was on one of his trips to Mason City while planning his bank and hotel, that Dr. G. C. Stockman and his artist wife Eleanor contracted with Wright to build a home for them, the third elaboration on the floor plan of his design for a "fire-proof" house that appeared in a 1907 Ladies Home Journal. The room arrangement of that middle-class house was with four bedrooms above and a living room and dining room flowing together around a central fireplace, each having equal access to a private veranda to make one large living space. Completed in 1908 during his planning of the Park Inn Hotel, this was Wright's first building in Iowa.
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