Emporia - Emporia, Ks.
Posted by: 
iconions
N 38° 24.291 W 096° 10.820
14S E 746215 N 4254500
This bronze marker is on the north facade of 527 N Commercial St. in Emporia, Ks.
Waymark Code: WMM9N7
Location: Kansas, United States
Date Posted: 08/17/2014
Views: 5
Text of the marker:
Founded Feb. 22nd, 1857
by
George W. Brown
G. W. Deitzler
Lyman Allan
Columbus Hornsby
Preston B. Plumb
Site of First Public Building,
The "Emporia House" (Hotel)
June 1st, 1857
First Issue of Kanzas News
June 6th, 1857
First Public Church Services
June 7th, 1857
Bank Site Since 1872
Memorial by Lyon County
Old Settlers Association
George Plumb, President
John E. Hinshaw, Sec'y-Treas.
Feb. 22nd, 1924
1857 - 1921
This marks the site of
The Emporia House,
First Public Building
in the town,
Erected in 1857 by the
Emporia Town Company.
From the National Registration application:
Visit Link
"Citizens National Bank Status: Contributing
Address: 527 N COMMERCIAL ST
Date of Construction: 1923 (Documented)
Parcel ID: 195-15-0-20-01-001.00-0
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade - Financial Institution
Current Function: Commerce/Trade - Financial Institution
Architectural Classification: Neoclassical
Description:
This brick two-part vertical block occupies a corner lot and has two primary elevations - east and north. This five-story building has a two-story base supporting a three-story shaft. The building is four bays wide and seven bays deep. Upper-story fenestration, arranged single and in pairs, defines the bays. Non-historic annodized aluminum window units occupy all window openings. The primary entrance is centered in the first story of the east elevation and features a stone surround with a stepped, shouldered architrave. Additional historic character-defining features present include: the projecting terra cotta cornice with modillions; the two projecting terra cotta belt courses between the second and third stories, defining the transition between the base and the shaft; the two-story, engaged round Corinthian columns set within the recessed façade wall of the east elevation; the two-story, engaged brick pilasters with terra cotta capitals between each bay on the north elevation; the decorative brick work around the windows in the building's two-story base; and the stone water table spanning each elevation. A clock sign projects from the northeast corner at the second story.
History:
There has been a bank on this corner since before 1884. The telephone office on the second floor from 1884 until at least 1905. The current building was built in 1923 as the Citizens National Bank.
Integrity:
Although the windows and storefronts have been replaced, the historic openings remain and the building retains its overall integrity. Therefore, it is classified as a contributor."