By Mary Drier
Staff Writer
GAGETOWN —A former business in downtown Gagetown that is on both the State as well as the National Historic Register still has some of its historic significance even though it was remodeled for another use.
In 2012, Independent Bank announced it was closing its branch bank at 4761 State St., Gagetown, and would give the rest of the bank building to the village of Gagetown.
Bank officials had given the village some space in the bank to use as a village hall a few months before the bank’s closing was announced.
Although the village was given the entire bank for its use, the council decided to just use the original space it was given, and to rent out the unused portion of the bank. That was over a year ago and there have been no viable takers.
Over the past few months some renovations were done to make the main are of the bank more convenient for office use. Money for renovations came from an insurance claim when a pipe broke causing damage.
“The (service) counter is gone now so it would be easier to rent out for offices,” said Gagetown Clerk Joan Koch noting residents will be able to tour the former bank 5 – 7 p.m., Monday, July 7, to see now it looks now.
There had been a bank at intersection of State and Lincoln streets for 122 years. Gagetown’s bank at 4761 State St. was opened on Dec. 23, 1890, by Preston Purdy and his son, James. In 1907, the bank received its charter.
Despite renovations, a key aspect of the bank has been kept.
“The vault is still there. That hasn’t changed,” said Koch.
The bank’s vault is believed to be the original one. The vault says it is a “Detroit Safe.” That company has been defunct for several decades.
Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadvertiser.com.