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r
Prof. WILL S. MONROE
1863-1939
EX LIBRIS
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The CZECHS and SLOVAKS
INfAMERICAN BANKING
j
The CZECHS and SLOVAKS
IN AMERICAN BANKING
BY
THOMAS CAPEK
PRESIDENT BANK OF EUROPE
AND
THOMAS CAPEK, Jr.
^ \
New York Chicago
Fleming H. Revell Company
London and Edinburgh !
Copyright, 1920, by
FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY
New York: 158 Fifth Avenue
Chicago: 17 North Wabash Ave.
London: 21 Paternoster Square
Edinburgh: 75 Princes Street
K-
PREFACE
ONE phase — a very important one — of the activi-
ties of the Czechs and Slovaks in this country
has been wholly overlooked. Statistics have
been compiled showing the number, size and location of
the settlements of this racial group; of its churches,
schools, lodge halls, fraternal organizations, newspapers
and libraries. Up to the present time, however, no one
has attempted a tabulation of banks in which the major-
ity of the stock is held by investors of Czech and Slovak
origin, or which are managed by officers of that nation-
ality. Yet banks are an unerring barometer of Ameri-
canization attained by this or that racial group. Like
the ownership of real estate, a bank in our mind is
associated with the notions of stability, permanence. The
foreigner who is but slightly affected by our American
customs and ideals seldom buys bank stock or invests
in real estate ; the seasonal immigrant, traveling back and
forth, never does.
It will come as a surprise to most readers that Czech
and Slovak Building and Loan Associations of two cities
— Chicago and Cleveland — wield assets amounting to
nearly $20,060,000 — an indication of the inborn sense of
thrift of that element of our population, is it not? What
tends toward a greater love for the adopted country than
owning a home here, and being able to enjoy the moral
benefits of real home life?
6 Preface
In this Banker's Directory the authors present material
which, they beheve, will serve a double purpose. Com-
munity and Americanization workers will learn from it
of a social aspect of our Czech and Slovak fellow-citizens
little known to them. The statistical data which it con-
tains will form a useful guide and reference for Chambers
of Commerce, banking institutions, import and export
merchants, and students of economics.
The statements of surplus and deposits are taken from
the latest available reports.
New York, June, 1920. The Authors
Banks in Which the Majority of Stock Is Held
BY Czechoslovaks.
Americans of Czech and Slovak origin control through
stock ownership 103 banks. Summarized, their state-
ments are:
Czech Slovak
Total capital $ 4,199,000 $ 500,000
Total surplus and undivided profits. .$ 2,653,500 $ 401,100
Total deposits $61,726,780 $8,465,000
Distributed according to states we get the following
result: Nebraska — 46, Iowa — 15, Illinois (all in
Chicago) — 10, South Dakota — 8, Minnesota — 7, Penn-
sylvania (all Slovak) — 5, Kansas — 4, Texas — 3, Wis-
consin — 2, New York — i, North Dakota — i, Oklahoma
— I.
We are told that every president of the Chicago banks
has had his start in banking as a real estate broker. In
time the broker, if his venture proved successful,
branched out as a private banker, doing besides, notarial,
insurance, real estate, and the steamship ticket business.
The law requiring him to have his affairs examined from
time to time by banking authorities hastened the process
of evolution from private banker to that of a state or
national bank. The Czech private banker of bygone days,
however, let it be said to his credit, had not been an
unscrupulous exploiter. His clientele was, on the whole,
an intelligent one, and he rarely abused the confidence
reposed in him. Failures and defalcations in his ranks
were comparatively few, not more than half a dozen
having occurred in Chicago within the last three decades.
An interesting phase of Czech banking in America is
the fact that in the Middle West whole families have
8 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
entered exclusively into this field. The Foldas of Ne-
braska control five strong banks; the Millers and the
Kirchmans of the same state are likewise interested in
several prosperous banking institutions.
Recently the Chicago bankers have formed an Ameri-
can Czechoslovak Bankers Association, the main object
of which is to foster banking and commercial relations
with the newly founded Czechoslovak Republic. The
Association has enrolled i6 members, lo being state
and national banks, the rest private bankers. It is con-
fidently believed that other private bankers will find it
to their advantage to incorporate as banks before Janu-
ary, 1 92 1, when the new law relating to them goes
into effect.
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
ILLINOIS.
CHICAGO. ADAMS STATE BANK. Organized
1913. President, Joseph Khcka; Vice-President,
Adolph Lonek; Cashier, John T, Slama. Directors:
John Bartusek, Frank H. Bicek, Joseph Klicka,
Norbert F. Kochka, Adolph Lonek, Joseph Sidlo,
John T. Slama.
Total paid up capital $100,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 15,000
Total deposits $800,000
The Ada'iis Stale Bank Js I
the successor in business of
the Tabor Savings Bank
which was organized in 1912.
Joseph Klicka, upon leaving
high school accepted a posi-
tion in the Chicago Post
Office in 1896. While a clerk
in the post office he entered
the Army, serving in the Sec-
ond Illinois Volunteer In-
fantry until 1899. Thereupon
he returned to the Chicago
Post Office, continuing to
work there until 1904 when _
he was appointed to the Office
of Rural Agent. In 1906 ■"''""'" ''"^'"'
the Division of Rural Delivery was transferred to the
office of the Postmaster General, the former Rural
Agents becoming Inspectors. In this capacity Mr. Klicka
served in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and
Iowa, resigning in 1910 when he entered the real estate
and private banking business in Chicago. The bank
of which he is the President started in 1913 with a capital
of $25,000 which was successively raised to $100,000. It
serves a territory which is inhabited by Czechoslovak,
German and Polish people, the Czechoslovaks, however,
forming a majority of the whole. Mr. Klicka has the
reputation of being an aggressive, well-poised banker.
lO Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
CHICAGO. AMERICAN STATE BANK. Organ-
ized 191 1. President, James F. Stepina; Vice-
President, John A. Cervenka; Cashier, Adolph J.
Krasa. Directors: Dr. Anton Biankini, Joseph
Dusek, John Fucik, V. A. Geringer, Ernest Kunde,
John C. Krasa, James F. Stepina, Michael Zimmer,
John A. Cervenka.
Total paid up capital $ 400,000
Total surplus and undivided profits... $ 296,200
Total deposits $4,229,100
CHICAGO. DOUGLAS PARK STATE BANK.
Organized 19 19. President, Frank Kirchman ; Vice-
President, John W. Jedlan ; Cashier, Frank L. Karel.
Directors: Frank Kirchman, John W. Jedlan, Frank
L. Karel, James Mazanec, Joseph W. Matousek,
Joseph P. Klicka, Stephen A. Thieda.
Total paid up capital $100,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 16,500
Total deposits $250,000
Although this bank was organized only a year ago it
has accumulated quite a creditable sum of deposits.
CHICAGO. KASPAR STATE BANK. Organized
1905. President, William Kaspar; Vice-Presidents,
Otto Kaspar, Charles Krupka, Eugene W. Kaspar;
Cashier, Emil F. Smrz. Directors: William Kaspar,
V. F. Mashek, George C. Wilce, H. E. Otte, Otto
Kubin, William Oetting, J. Peschel, Walenty Szy-
manski, Charles Krupka, Otto Kaspar, Joseph
Sikyta.
Total paid up capital $ 500,000
Total surplus and undivided profits... $ 492,400
Total deposits $9,392,600
This bank, situated in the Czech metropolis, boasts of
having the largest deposits of any institution enumerated
in this directory. Formerly the bank was known as
Kaspar & Karel.
Czechs and Slovaks m American Banking
LAWNDALE NATIONAL BANK LAWNDALE STATE BANK
CHICAGO. LAWNDALE NATIONAL BANK.
Organized 191 1. President, Frank G. Hajicek;
Vice-President, Joseph J. Salat; Cashier, Rudolph
F. Hajicek. Directors: Frank G. Hajicek, Joseph
J. Salat, Rudolph F. Hajicek, Joseph J. Janda,
Joseph F. Polak, Joseph Kopecky.
Total paid up capital _$ 50,000
Total surplus and undivided profits... $ 116,000
Total deposits $4Joo,ooo
The Lawndale National Bank and the Lawndale State
Bank are sister institutions. Founded within one year
of each other and situated not far from each other, they
are a monument to the tireless energy and enterprise
of the men who organized them. The two banks have
come into existence as the result of the merger of the
interests of two private banks previously operated by
Frank G. Hajicek and by Salat, Polak & Kopecky.
The founders are men prominent in the social and busi-
ness life of the Chicago community. Like their col-
leagues they were first engaged in real estate and private
banking. Having built up a large practice and follow-
ing, they felt strong enough to open in 191 1 the Lawn-
dale National Bank. The year after they launched
the Lawndale State Bank within a few blocks of the
first organization. Lawndale is the name of a newly
developed and prosperous section of Chicago peopled
by Czechs.
12 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
CHICAGO. LAWN DALE STATE BANK. Organ-
ized 191 2. President, Joseph J. Salat; Vice-Presi-
dents, Frank G. Hajicek and Joseph F. Polak;
Cashier, Joseph Kopecky. Directors: Richard
Dusil, Rudolph F. Hajicek, Frank G. Hajicek, Emil
Klicka, Charles B. Pavlicek, John J. Svoboda, Joseph
Kopecky, Joseph F. Polak, Joseph J. Salat.
Total paid up capital $ 200,000
Total surplus and undivided profits... $ 119,000
Total deposits $3,000,000
CHICAGO. SKALA STATE BANK. Organized
1896.. President, Frank J. Skala; Vice-President,
Charles Krcilek; Cashier, Charles Krcilek. Direc-
tors: Frank J. Skala, Charles Krcilek, E. Skala.
Total paid up capital $100,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 21,200
Total deposits '. $250,400
Formerly a private bank and steamship ticket office,
this bank was organized into a state institution in 19 19.
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 13
CHICAGO. TWENrV-SIXTH STREET STATE
BANK. Organized 1893. President, John V.
Zelezny ; Vice-President, Otto Baumnicker ; Cashier,
John G, Zelezny. Directors: John V. Zelezny, John
G. Zelezny, Otto Baumrucker, Joseph J. Novy, John
J. Kastner.
Total paid up capital 1'°?''*°°
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 18,000
Total deposits $340>«»
John V. Zelezny has b.!en a
successful real estate, mort-
gage and insurance broker in
Chicago since 1893. In 1908
he erected a modern building
in which he installed the
Zelezny Savings Oank. In
September, 1916, this concern
discontinued banking ; de-
posits were paid to depositors
in full or turned over to the
Kaspar State Bank. In the
middle of 1919 Zelezny re-
sumed banking by organizing
the Twenty-Sixth Street State
Bank with a paid up capital ■'"'"^ "■ ^''-'-'^^^^
of $100,000 and a surplus of
$15,000. For the new bank additional quarters are being
erected; when completed, the structure will be one of
the handsomest on the Southwest side. The bank con-
ducts a general banking, steamship passage, foreign re-
mittance, real estate, insurance and trust business.
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
CICERO. FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CICERO.
Organized 1920. President, William Kaspar; Vice-
Presidents, Otto Kaspar and Eugene W. Kaspar;
Cashier, Eugene W. Kaspar. Directors: William
Kaspar, Otto Kaspar, Eugene W. Kaspar, Emil F.
Smrz, Joseph Mandl, C. R. Walleck, Edward F,
Silha, Frank J. Petru, Dr. M. E. Lorenz.
Tolal paid up capital $iso,cxx)
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 75.ooo
Total deposits
CICERO. WESTERN STATE BANK OF CICERO.
Organized 1913. President, Frank Kirchman ; Vice-
President, John W. Jedlan; Cashier, Edward F.
Jedlan. Directors: Frank Kirchman, John W,
Jedlan, Frank L. Karel, Adolph Radosta, Antonin
Charvat, Emil Klicka, John H. Baker.
Total paid up capital $ 100,000
Total surplus and undivided profits...? 50,000
Total deposits $1,350,000
This bank is located in one
of the growing suburbs of
Chicago to which many Czech
residents moved from the
older and more congested dis-
tricts. The depositors and
the stockholders are prac-
tically all Czech. It has ex-
perienced a very healthy
growth, leading three other
state banks in that neighbor-
hood, and is affihated with
the local Federal Reserve
Bank and Clearing House,
^w... Frank Kirchman, its Presi-
dent, is thoroughly familiar
with every phase of banking.
As a private banker he dealt in mortgages and Chicago
real estate for over thirty years. Because of his promi-
T
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 15
nence in the community his advice carries great weight
in business and poUtics. He is also the President ot
the Douglas Park State Bank.
John W. Jedlan, Vice-President of both the Western
State Bank and the Douglas Park State Bank, has had
training as a bank clerk. Later he studied law and was
admitted to the Chicago bar. A shrewd and well-edu-
cated business man, Mr. Jedlan is a great help to Mr.
Kirchman, his father-in-law, in the successful operation
of the two banks.
IOWA.
BOYER. FARMERS AND MERCHANTS SAV-
INGS BANK. Organized 1916. President, Louis
F. Kovar; Vice-President, H. B. Hansen; Cashier,
John A. Kovar. Directors: George Cowlhann, John
A. Pithan, Louis F. Kovar, John A. Kovar, H. B.
Hansen.
I
I Total paid up capital $ 10,000
i Total surplus and undivided profits $ 5,500
Total deposits $187,000
CEDAR RAPIDS. CITIZENS SAVINGS BANK.
Organized 1914. President, Frank W. Barta; Vice-
Presidents, L. J. Pochobradsky and J. A. Viktor;
Cashier, Emil Benes. Directors: Frank W. Barta,
L. J. Pochobradsky, J. A. Viktor, Emil Benes, John
N. Kucera, Charles Tichy, W. J. Dvorak, S. D.
Chamberlain, A. Tlusty.
Total paid up capital $ 50,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 4,000
Total deposits $472,250
t
1 6 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
CEDAR RAPIDS. IOWA STATE SA VINGS
BANK. Organized 1906. President, V. O. Hasek;
Vice-Presidents, J. W. Lesinger and J. J. Cerveny;
Cashier, F. J. Dvorak. Directors: V. O. Hasek,
J. W. Lesinger, J. J. Cerveny, John Tlusty, John
Klepach, Joseph Simon, W. E. Wolrach, E. E.
Hach, A. F. Dvorak.
Total paid up capital $ 100,000
Total surplus and undivided profits... $ 30,000
Total deposits $2,500,000
This bank is a member of the Federal Reserve system.
Original capital was $50,000. This was increased to
$100,000 and it is contemplated to shortly increase the
capital to $200,000. The bank now occupies a stone
building of its own.
CEDAR RAPIDS. PEOPLES SAVINGS BANK.
Organized 1900. President, John Burianek, Jr. ;
Vice-President, F. C. Dobrovsky; Cashier, F. C.
Welch. Directors: John Burianek, Jr., A. E. Chase,
Arthur Hurtt, William King, Dr. R. Lord, Timothy
McCarthy, F. C. Welch, T. R. Warriner.
Total paid up capital $ 50,000
Total surplus and undivided profits... $ 58,000
Total deposits $1,670,000
CHELSEA. CHELSEA STATE BANK, Organized
1900. President, John Skrable; Vice-President,
Frank J. Stanek ; Cashier, Frank W. Sell. Directors:
John Skrable, Frank J. Stanek, Frank W. Sell, F.
G. Kupka, J. N. Sell, Joseph F. Novak.
Total paid up capital $ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 25,000
Total deposits $450,000
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 17
CLUTIER. CLUTIER STATE BANK. Organized
1908. President, John Skrable; Vice-President, V.
Kosnar; Cashier, J. P. Novak. Directors: John
Skrable, V. Kosnar, J. Arter, N. J. Kvidera, John
Hoket, John Cherveny, John Dvorak.
Total paid up capital * .$ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 24,000
Total deposits $380,000
CLUTIER. FARMERS STATE BANK. Organized
191 5. President, P. J. Foley; Vice-President, J.
M.Dvorak; Cashier, M. A. Caslavka. Directors:
P. J. Foley, J. M. Dvorak, M. A. Caslavka, Lorenz
Lorenzen, William Joens, A. S. Ewaldt, C. D.
Schlopkohl.
Total paid up capital $ 35,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 11,400
Total deposits $381,000
ELBERON. FARMERS STATE BANK. Organized
1892. President, John Skrable; Vice-President, J.
C. Shafer; Cashier, E. P. Skrable. Directors: John
Skrable, J. C. Shafer, D. M. Johnson, John Severin,
William Nebendahl, Frederick Bockholt.
Total paid up capital $ 40,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 35,000
Total deposits $750,000
ELY. ELY SAVINGS BANK. Organized 1914.
President, Joseph Becicka; Vice-President, Louis
Wokoun ; Cashier, Emil E. Yelinek. Directors: Rev.
F. Pokorny, Louis Stanek, Frank Koss, Frank
Lorenc, Joseph Vavra, John Clark, Emil E. Yelinek,
Louis Wokoun.
Total paid up capital $ 20,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 5,300
Total deposits $469,000
1 8 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
LIDDERDALE. FARMERS & MERCHANTS
SAVINGS BANK. Organized 1907. President,
John Schleismann ; Vice-President, C. F. Subbert;
Cashier, Louis F. Kovar. Directors: C. F. Sub-
bert, L. F. Kovar, Charles Turner, A. Fricke, John
Schleismann.
Total paid up capital $ 10,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 3,500
Total deposits $350,000
OXFORD JUNCTION. OXFORD JUNCTION
SAVINGS BANK. Organized 1901. President,
Frank Burda; Vice-President, George A. Wosoba;
Cashier, F. H. Shimanek. Directors: Frank Burda,
George A. Wosoba, Alois Stratilek, Henry Shimerda,
F. H. Shimanek, H. H. Petersen, George R. Norton.
Total paid up capital $ 50,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 10,000
Total deposits $500,000
PROTIVIN. BOHEMIAN SAVINGS BANK, Or-
ganized 1910. President, J. F. Pecinovsky; Vice-
President, John Bouska; Cashier, J. A. Dostal.
Directors: J. F. Pecinovsky, John Bouska, H.
Lukes, Wenzel Cisar, F. J. Klimesh, Joseph Ira,
Edward Slama, Ferdinand Lukes, F. J. Tupy.
Total paid up capital $ 15,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 3,000
Total deposits $250,000
This bank is situated in a rich farming section and a
thoroughly Czech community.
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 19
SOLON. ULCH BROTHERS STATE BANK. Or-
ganized 1 9 16. President, George Ulch; Vice-Presi-
dent, George E. Zenishek; Cashier, J. S. Ulch.
Directors: George Ulch, George E. Zenishek, J. S.
Ulch, Frank Slofer, John Krob, Paul Upmeyer, Paul
Kohl, C. H. Palmer, F. N. Meyers.
Total paid up capital $ 50,000
Total surplus and undivided profits... $ 25,000
Total deposits $1,000,000
Organized in 1896 as a private bank.
SWISHER. SWISHER SAVINGS BANK, Organ-
ized 1913. President, Joseph C. Coufal; Vice-Presi-
dent, Louis Wokoun; Cashier, J. V. Rompolt.
Directors: Joseph C. Coufal, Louis Wokoun, G. C.
Chadima, Charles Chubel, Joseph W. Janko, Joseph
Konasek, William Pudil.
Total paid up capital $ 15,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 7,500
Total deposits $330,000
VINING. FARMERS SAVINGS BANK. Organ-
ized 191 2. President, Paul Kouba; Vice-President,
George M. Lamb; Cashier, E. M. Kupka. Directors:
Vencil Hurt, George Yilek, Paul Kouba, John
Hadacek, James Duhachek, Frank Nekola, George
M. Lamb.
Total paid up capital $ 12,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 5,000
Total deposits $200,000
20 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
KANSAS.
BEARDSLEY. BEARDS LEY STATE BANK. Or-
ganized 1919. President, J. S. Skalout; Vice-Presi-
dent, J. J. Sramek; Cashier, F. E. Sramek. Direc-
tors: J. S. Skalout, J. J. Sramek, F. E. Sramek,
John Kacirek, Frank Prochazka.
Total paid up capital $10,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 1,000
Total deposits $40,000
CLEBURNE. CLEBURNE STATE BANK. Organ-
ized 1902. President, F. W. Toburen; Vice-Presi-
dent, Daniel Smerchek; Cashier, J. M. Musil.
Directors: Daniel Smerchek, John Pishny, Jr., J.
M. Musil, J. F. Musil, F. W. Toburen, E. C. Erick-
son, F. J. Lindbloom.
Total paid up capital $ 20,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 10,000
Total deposits $150,000
This bank was organized by J. M. Musil with a capital
of $S,ooo. In 1905 the capital was increased to $12,000.
Due to the rapid growth of the bank and community,
it was thought advisable in 1908 to have another increase
in capital, this time to $20,000.
MUNDEN. M UN DEN STATE BANK. Organized
1905. President, I. Bonham ; Vice-President, Luther
Bonham ; Cashier, Albert Jelinek. Directors: 1. Bon-
ham, Luther Bonham, Albert Jelinek, Joseph Bouska,
T. N. Bouska.
Total paid up capital $ 10,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 10,000
Total deposits $100,000
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 21
PILSEN. FIRST STATE BANK OF FILSEN.
Organized 1916. Fresident, J. J. Klenda; Vice-
Fresident, V. J. Bosh; Cashier, T. W. Spachek.
Directors: J. J. Kleijda, V. J. Bosh, T. W. Spachek,
J. M. Sklenar, John Krotz, A. M. Klenda.
Total paid up capital $ 12,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 5,000
Total deposits $175,000
Although this bank is located in a small community
without railroad connections, its statements show a
creditable growth, in fact, better than that of several
older banks in the same county.
MINNESOTA.
COSMOS. FIRST STATE BANK OF COSMOS.
Organized 1914. Fresident, Adolf Ondracek; Vice-
Fresident, ^lichael Koch ; Cashier, John H. Jerabek.
Directors: Adolf Ondracek, Michael Koch, John
Jerabek, John Vojta, Joseph Popelka, George
Chmeliski.
Total paid up capital $10,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 2,000
Total deposits $59,000
HOKAH. FARMERS STATE BANK. Organized
1917. FresidiCnt, Ferdinand Subek; Vice-Fresident,
E. Jennings; Cashier, E. J. Reilly. Directors:
Ferdinand Subek, E. Jennings, E. J. Reilly.
Total paid up capital $ 15,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 4,600
Total deposits $133,800
ind Slovaks in American Banking
LONSDALE. STATE BANK OF LONSDALE.
Organized 1908. President, Joseph F. Skluzacek;
Vice-President, M. J. Smisek; Cashier, Thomas
Skluzacek. Directors: Joseph F. Skluzacek, M. J.
Smisek, J. W. Topka, Jacob C. Skluzacek, Charles
F. Ehel.
Total paid up capital $ 20,o<
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 5,01
Total deposits $300,0(
This bank is located in one of the most prosperous
Czech centers in Minnesota. The first Czech farmers
began settling in Le Sueur, Rice and Scott counties, in
1856, when that section of the country was, we are told,
"the stamping ground of groves of deer, roebuck and
other beasts of the field."
The State Bank of Lonsdale was established in 1908
by M. R. Waters and son. At that time Thomas
Skluzacek, its present cashier, was taken in as a clerk.
Soon Mr. Skluzacek developed a strong following. In
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 23
1909 the bank was acquired by the Skluzacek interests
which still control it. The substantial building it occu-
pies is typical of the country bank in the Middle West.
Incidentally it may be remarked that the bank is a de-
pository of State, County and Village funds. The direc-
tors are all men of affairs in the neighborhood.
NEW PRAGUE. FIRST NATIONAL BANK. Or-
ganized 1903. President, F. H. Wellcome; Vice-
President, Dr. E. E. Novak; Cashier, J. T. Topka.
Directors: F. H. Wellcome, Dr. E. E. Novak, J. T.
Topka, W. S. Broz, J. F. Barta, A. G. Sachs, J. J.
Mach.
Total paid up capital $ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 18,000
Total deposits $450,000
The currency of this bank bears two Czech names,
E. E. Novak and J. T. Topka.
NEW PRAGUE. STATE BANK OF NEW
PRAGUE. Organized 1883. President, Michael
Schreiner; Vice-President, John Proshek; Cashier,
Joseph B. Maertz. Directors: John Proshek,
Joseph B. Maertz, J. W. Mach, Michael Schreiner,
J. J. Remes, Joseph Maertz.
Total paid up capital $ 50,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 8,000
Total deposits $492,830
Established in 1883 as a private bank with a capital
of $5,000. In 1904 this institution was converted into
a state bank with a paid up capital of $37,000, to which
at this time has been added a surplus fund of $13,000.
24 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
SILVER LAKE. FARMERS & MERCHANTS
STATE BANK. Organized 1914. President, Frank
Nuwash; Vice-President, Thomas J. Trutna;
Cashier, F. J. Kolar. Directors: J. E. Ziska, George
Friauf, Joseph F. Teply, Charles A. Hawlish, R.
H. Semerau, John F. Kasper, A. J. Totushek.
Total paid up capital $ 25,cxx)
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 13,500
Total deposits ; . . . .$500,000
TABOR. TABOR STATE BANK. Organized 1916.
President, H. L. Wood; Vice-President, Andro
Palya; Cashier, A. M. Palya. Directors: H. L.
Wood, Andro Palya, A. M. Palya, C. L. Spaulding,
A. N. Eckstrom.
Total paid up capital $ 10,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 2,000
Total deposits $103,800
NEBRASKA.
ABIE. ABIE STATE BANK. Organized 1904.
President, F. J. Roh ; Vice-President, E. J. Mashek ;
Cashier, F. J. Svoboda. Directors: F. J. Roh, J.
F. Roh, E. J. Mashek, E. V. Svoboda, F. J. Svoboda.
Total paid up capital $ 15,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 2,000
Total deposits $165,000
BEE. STATE BANK OF BEE. Organized 1902.
President, F. J. Maixner; Vice-President, H. G.
Maixner; Cashier, L. L. Stava. Directors: F. J.
Maixner, H. G. Maixner, L. L. Stava.
Total paid up capital $ 10,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 8,000
Total deposits $250,000
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 25
BRAIN ARD. BRAIN ARD STATE BANK, Organ-
ized 191 5. President, F. C. Horacek; Vice-Presi-
dent, Jacob Horacek; Cashier, L. F. Kavalec.
Directors: F. C. Horacek, Jacob Horacek, L. F.
Kavalec, Emil Kavalec.
Total paid up capital $ 20,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 6,200
Total deposits $200,000
This bank was organized by its president who also
owns the majority of the stock.
BRAINARD. FARMERS STATE BANK, Organ-
ized 1906. President, Edward P. Homer; Vice-
President, Frank Faytinger; Cashier, A. A. Hayek.
Directors: Edward P. Homer, Frank Faytinger,
A. A. Hayek, Frank Smolik.
Total paid up capital $ 20,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 13,500
Total deposits $220,000
BRUNO. BRUNO STATE BANK, Organized 1890.
President, F. J. Roh ; Vice-President, E. J. Dvorak ;
Cashier, Joseph V. Roh. Directors: F. J. Roh,
W. F. Roh, Joseph V. Roh, E. J. Dvorak, Henry
Frickc.
Total paid up capital $ 12,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 10,300
Total deposits $275,000
BRUNO. FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK.
Organized 19 12. President, Thomas Rerucha;
Vice-President, Alois C. Tomek; Cashier, J. A.
Proskovec. Directors: Thomas Rerucha, Alois C.
Tomek, J. A. Proskovec, Joseph Rerucha, Adolf
Vraspir.
Total paid up capital $ 15,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 5,000
Total deposits $110,000
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
CLARKSON. CLARKSON STATE BANK. Organ-
ized 1890. President, Emil Folda; Vice-President,
J. M. Mundil; Cashier, Emil Petr. Directors: J,
M. Mundil, Emil Petr, Louis Faltys, Longin Folda,
Emil Folda, Jaroslav Folda, Frederick Jelinek.
Total paid up capital $ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 35.OOO
Total deposits $489,200
The President of this bank
is a member of the widely
known Folda family who first
entered the banking field in
Schuyler organizing the
Banking House of F. Folda
in 1886. He is also President
of two other banks and stock-
holder in six more. E. F.
Folda, Frank Folda' s only
son, is President of the Bank-
ing House of F. Folda, Vice-
President of the Corn Ex-
change National Bank in
Omaha, and stockholder in all
EMIL FOLDA the Folda Banks. The seven
sons of John Folda — Lambert
F., Adolph, Rainold, Longin, Emil, Jaroslav, and John —
were all at one time active bankers.
The first Czech farming community sprang up in
Wisconsin around Watertown, Caledonia and Manitowoc.
In the last-named town, Emil Folda was bom in 1866.
Moving with his parents to Nebraska, he experienced
all the hardships of a pioneer on a homestead in Colfax
County. Tiring of farming, he engaged in business and
later in banking. He is one of the most prominent
citizens of Czech birth in his state. Albin Folda, his
only son and assistant cashier of the Clarkson State
Bank was killed in France and is buried in the Argonne-
American Cemetery at Romagne.
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking t.^
CLARKSON. FARMERS STATE BANK. Organ-
ized 1905. President, John D. Wolf ; Vice-Presi-
dent, Vincenc Fa j man ; Cashier, Adolf Dudek.
Directors: John D. Wolf, Vincenc Fa j man, Adolf
Dudek, Emil E. Dudek, E. R. Gurney.
Total paid up capital $ 25,ocx)
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 25,000
Total deposits $417,800
This bank was organized and managed by J. D. Wolf.
In 19 10 the volume of business grew beyond the capa-
city of one man and additional assistants were engaged.
COLON. STATE BANK OF COLON. Organized
1899. President, F. J. Kirchman ; Vice-President,
J. A. Sams; Cashier, J. F. Bastar. Directors: J. F.
Bastar, F. J. Kirchman, W. C. Kirchman, B. F.
Good, J. A. Sams.
Total paid up capital $ 20,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 10,000
Total deposits $300,000
The original capital of this bank was $5,000 which
sum was gradually increased to the present amount.
COMSTOCK. FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK.
Organized 1909. President, Vencel Krikac; Vice-
President, Frank Krahulik; Cashier, E. J. Craw-
ford. Directors: Vencel Krikac, V. Krikac, Jr.,
E. J. Crawford, Ignaz Klima, Joseph Waldman.
Total paid up capital $ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 10,900
Total deposits $243,800
The original capital of this bank was $10,000.
28 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
CORNLEA. CORN LEA STATE BANK. Organized
1905. President, A. J. Miller; Vice-President, N. J.
Hemmer; Cashier, W. J. Oik. Directors: A. J.
Miller, N. J. Hemmer, J. W. Claus, M. J. Clark,
J. H. Miller.
Total paid up capital $ 15,000
Total surplus and undivided profits. . . . .$ 9,000
Total deposits $213,000
DODGE. FIRST NATIONAL BANK. Organized
1900. President, A. J. Miller; Vice-Presidents, G.
J. Borgmeyer and I. E. Atkinson; Cashier, J. H.
Miller. Directors: A. J. Miller, G. J. Borgmeyer,
J. H. Miller, I. E. Atkinson, J. H. Longacre, W.
Rcttig, J. H. Montgomery, C. Woerdemann.
Total paid up capital $ 50,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 33i5oo
Total deposits $621,000
DWIGHT. DWIGHT STATE BANK. Organized
1904. President, John W. Burge; Vice-President,
Michael Slosar; Cashier, L. B. Tomes. Directors:
John W. Burge, Michael Slosar, J. B. Tomes, L. B.
Tomes, E. J. Tcmes, R. A. Lower.
Total paid up capital $ 20,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 7,000
Total deposits $300,000
ELK CREEK. STATE BANK OF ELK CREEK.
Organized 1895. President, R. A. Kovanda; Vice-
President, Frederick E. Bodie; Cashier, D. R.
Whalen. Directors: A. R. Kovanda, R. A.
Kovanda, Frederick E. Bodie, William Burow, F.
Buethe.
Total paid up capital $ 15,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 4,000
Total deposits $200,000
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 29
ENOLA. EN OLA STATE BANK. Organized 191 5.
President, B. B. McGinnis; Vice-President, L. T.
Rerucha; Cashier, M. L. Minarik. Directors: M.
L. Minarik, B. B. McGinnis, P. Bretschneider, F.
Murphy, N. P. Rowlett, J. Pojar, R. J. Pojar.
Total paid up capital $ 10,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 1,600
Total deposits $150,000
HEMINGFORD. FIRST NATIONAL BANK. Or-
ganized 1912. President, James V. Potmesil; Vice-
President, J. P. Jensen; Cashier, F. L. Potmesil.
Directors: J. P. Jensen, T. Neeland, J. F. Whelan,
H. Von Bargen, C. Klemke, J. V. Potmesil, F. L.
Potmesil.
Total paid up capital $ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 22,000
Total deposits $400,000
The controlling interest in this bank was bought by
the Potmesil family in 19 18, old settlers in that district.
HOWELLS. COLFAX COUNTY BANK. Organ-
ized 1887. President, Emil Folda; Vice-Presidents,
E. F. Folda and J. M. Folda; Cashier, F. C.
Hrabak. Directors: E. F. Folda, Joseph Smatlan,
Jaroslav Folda, Longin Folda, A. Folda, Rupert
B. Folda, Emil Folda, J. M. Folda, Frank C. Hrabak.
Total paid up capital $ 30,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 35,000
Total deposits $800,000
One of the five Folda banks, established by Frank
Folda, uncle of the present president. Original capital
was $7,500. This was successively raised as the busi-
ness of the bank expanded to meet the needs of the
growing community.
30 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
HOWELLS. FARMERS STATE BANK. Organ-
ized 1918. President, Joseph Novak; Vice-Presi-
dent, Joseph K. Semerad; Cashier, J. A. Novak.
Directors: Joseph Novak, Joseph K. Semerad, J.
A. Novak, L. J. Sindelar.
Total paid up capital $ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 8,500
Total deposits $225,000
Although this bank is a little over a year old it shows
a good statement of deposits.
LINDSAY. FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK.
Organized 1901. President, H. B. Miller; Vice-
President, M. Gaspers; Cashier, L. G. Winkler.
Directors: H. B. Miller, A. J. Miller, L. G. Winkler,
D. J. McAuliffe, M. Gaspers.
Total paid up capital $ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 11,000
Total deposits $230,000
LINDSAY. LINDSAY STATE BANK. Organized
1889. President, F. J. Svoboda; Vice-President,
Andrew Hansen ; Cashier, J. W. Svoboda. Direc-
tors: F. J. Svoboda, Andrew Hansen, J. W.
Svoboda, L. Eucker, T. Cremers, C. Kamrath, J.
Korth, J. J. Muck, P. Schad, E. V. Svoboda.
Total paid up capital $ 35,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 16,000
Total deposits $410,000
LINWOOD. FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK.
Organized 1887. President, Emil Folda; Vice-
President, J. M. Mundil; Cashier, F. F. Mundil.
Directors: Emil Folda, Tony Folda, Longin Folda,
J. M. Mundil, F. F. Mundil.
Total paid up capital $ 10,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 12,000
Total deposits $275,000
This is one of the ^\t Folda Banks.
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 31
LOMA. LOMA STATE BANK. Organized 1912.
President, J. T. Votava; Vice-President, J. B.
Bartek; Cashier, F. A. Lorenc. Directors: J.
Votava, F. L. Votava, J. T. Votava, M. A. Ruzicka,
F. A. Lorenc, J. B. Bartek.
Total paid up capital $io,ocx)
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 1,500
Total deposits $85,000
MALMO. MALMO STATE BANK, Organized
1917. President, J. G. Hohl ; Vice-President, F. J.
Zeman ; Cashier, F. J. Frana. Directors: J. G.
Hohl, F. J. Zeman, F. J. Frana, F. A. Barry, Mathew
Moody.
Total paid up capital $15,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 300
Total deposits $47,000
MILLIGAN. FARMERS & MERCANTS BANK.
Organized 1903. President, F. W. Sloan; Vice-
President, Frank Stech; Cashier, C. Smrha. Direc-
tors: V. V. Smrha, Vaclav Bernasek, Joseph Jecha,
Frank Stech, F. W. Sloan.
Total paid up capital $ 16,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 6,000
Total deposits $450,000
MILLIGAN. NEBRASKA STATE BANK. Organ-
ized 191 7. President, E. J. Kotas; Vice-President,
James Krejdl ; Cashier, Adolph Kotas. Directors:
E. J. Kotas, James Krejdl, Adolph Kotas, Herman
Stastny, Charles J. Kotas.
Total paid up capital $ 20,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 7,000
Total deposits $180,000
32 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
MILLIGAN. MILLIGAN STATE BANK. Organ-
ized 1916. President, Adolph A. Tenopir; Vice-
President, Charies Slepicka; Cashier, Frank C.
Polak. Directors: Adolph A. Tenopir, Charles
Slepicka, Frank C. Polak, Vaclav Motis, Frank J.
Hamouz.
Total paid up capital $15,000
Total surplus and undivided profits
Total deposits $80,000
MORSE BLUFF. FARMERS STATE BANK. Or-
ganized 1917. President, Frank Zakovec; Vice-
President, Peter Hajek; Cashier, James Zakovec.
Directors: Frank Zakovec, Chas. Bernack, James
Zakovec.
Total paid up capital $20,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 8,000
Total deposits $90,000
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
OMAHA. UNION STATE BANK. Organized 1917.
President, F. C. Horacek; Vice-President, Jacob
Horacek ; Cashier, L. M. Mielenz. Directors: F. C.
Horacek, Jacob Horacek, L. M. Mielenz, Emil
Kavalec. Bohumir Horacek, Joseph F. Votava, Frank
J. Zeman, Frank Koutsky, Dr. E. Chaloupka, V. C.
Svoboda, Joseph Shramek, Rudolf Uldrich.
Total paid up capital $ 200,000
Total surplus and undivided profits... $ 43.400
Total deposits $1,041,000
F. C. Horacek, President,
is a native of Moravia. At
the time of his arrival in 1890
he was fifteen years of age.
His parents wanted him to be
a farmer, but the ambition of
I he boy was to be a merchant.
In company with his brother,
he opened a general store at
Brainard. In 1906 he experi-
enced his first success as a
country banker ; shortly there-
after, the Brainard State
Bank came into existence
with Horacek at its head.
Yet the former immigrant lad frank c. j
was not satisfied. He felt he
could do bigger things; but to do big things he must
live in a big city, he reasoned. And so, leaving the
Brainard Bank in other hands, he moved to Omaha. The
outcome of this journey was the establishment of the
Union State Bank. "Our bank enjoys an excellent repu-
tation," writes its President, "being the largest Czech-
controlled institution west of Chicago."
34 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
OSMOND. SECURITY STATE BANK. Organized
1889. President, Joseph Cizek; Vice-President,
James Cizek; Cashier, Edward Cizek. Directors:
Joseph Cizek, James Cizek, Edward Cizek, Louise
Cizek, H. Kahler.
Total paid up capital $ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 40,000
Total deposits $450,000
PRAGUE. BANK OF PRAGUE. Organized 1906.
President, E. K. Placek; Vice-President, Joseph
Vlasak; Cashier, J. J. Vlasak. Directors: E. E.
Placek, J. J, Vlasak, A. L. Vlasak, Joseph Vlasak,
L. J. Kudrna.
Total paid up capital $ 10,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 14,000
Total deposits $293,200
Emil E. Placek was born in a sod house in Fillmore
County 1877. In 1898, after graduating from the Law
School of the University of Nebraska, he enlisted in the
ist Nebraska Regiment, U. S. Volunteers, for service
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 35
in the Phillipines. From 1906 to 1910 he held the office
of County Judge. In 191 1 he was elected to the State
Senate, serving two terms ; in 1916 was sent as a dele-
gate to the Democratic National Convention at St. Louis.
Besides the Bank of Prague, Placek is interested in the
State Bank of Omaha and the First National Bank of
Wahoo.
Born in Bohemia, 1886, John J. Vlasak came to
Nebraska with his parents when but three years of age.
Farmer, merchant, politician (member of the Nebraska
Legislature in 1902), and banker, Vlasak is looked upon
as one of the substantial, trusted citizens in his home
town.
PRAGUE. FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK.
Organized 1888. President, F. J. Kirchman; Vice-
President, W. C. Kirchman ; • Cashier, J. G. Hohl.
Directors: F. J. Kirchman, W. C. Kirchman, J.
G. Hohl, E. J. Safranek, A. Safranek.
Total paid up capital $ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 10,000
Total deposits $400,000
This bank was organized in the pioneer days of the
community and has been under the same management
ever since. This is a thoroughly Czech town.
ROGERS. BANK OF ROGERS. Organized 1889.
President, E. F. Folda; Vice-President, Jaroslav
Folda ; Cashier, Frank Dudek, Jr. Directors: Emil
F. Folda, Jaroslav Folda, Frank Dudek, Jr., Bertha
Folda.
Total paid up capital $ 10,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 6,900
Total deposits $1 13,500
This bank is one of the five belonging to the Folda
family, the stock being purchased by the present owners
in 1899.
36 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
SCHUYLER. BANKING HOUSE OF FOLD A,
Organized 1887. President, E. F. Folda; Vice-
President, M. F. Folda; Cashier, Jaroslav Folda.
Directors: Emil F. Folda, A. W. Folda, Jaroslav
Folda, Bertha Folda.
Total paid up capital $ 100,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 2,000
Total deposits $1,000,000
One of the five Folda banks, being estabHshed as
a private bank in 1887 by Frank Folda, father of the
present owner.
TABLE ROCK. COMMUNITY STATE BANK.
Organized 1916. President, O. N. Turgeon; Vice-
President, F. A. Stech; Cashier, E. E. Hanel.
Directors: R. J. Hnizda, F. W. Fritch, J. A.
Muller, Albina Ruzicka, Nellie Sprott.
Total paid up capital $ 20,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 2,000
Total deposits $190,000
TARNOV. BANK OF TARNOV. Organized 191 1.
President, George P. Bissel; Vice-President, J. W.
Hutchison; Cashier, W. J. Trojan. Directors:
W. J. Panek, W. J. Trojan, George P. Bissell, G. H.
Grey, J. W. Hutchison.
Total paid up capital $ 15,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 5,500
Total deposits $125,000
The controlling interest in this bank was bought by
W. J. Trojan and W. J. Panek in 191 5.
TOUHY. STATE BANK OF TOUHY. Organized
1906. President, Julius Petermichel ; Vice-President,
F. J. Kirchman; Cashier, C. C. Carek. Directors:
Julius Petermichel, Pearle M. Petermichel, C. C.
Carek, F. J. Kirchman, W. C. Kirchman.
Total paid up capital $ 5,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 2,000
Total deposits $60,000
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 2>7
VALPARAISO. OAK CREEK VALLEY BANK.
Organized 1899. President, F. J. Kirchman; Vice-
President, J. J. Johnson; Cashier, Julius Peter-
michel. Directors: W. C. Kirchman, F. J. Kirch-
man, Julius Petermichel, J. F. Bastar, August Wid-
man, J. J. Johnson, H. L. Mosgrove.
Total paid up capital $ 20,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 15,000
Total deposits $325,000
VERDIGRE. KNOX COUNTY BANK, Organized
1902. President, A. J. Barta; Vice-President, E. F.
Souba; Cashier, L. J. Markitan. Directors: E. F.
Souba, A. J. Barta, Albert Jiracek, I. C. Souba.
Total paid up capital $ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 10,000
Total deposits $500,000
VERDIGRE. VERDIGRE STATE BANK, Organ-
ized 191 1. President, F. W. Sloan; Vice-President,
A. V. Kouba; Cashier, R. E. Kouba. Directors:
F. W. Sloan, A. V. Kouba, R. E. Kouba, V. L.
Kouba.
Total paid up capital $ 17,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 3,000
Total deposits $275,000
WAHOO. NEBRASKA STATE SAVINGS BANK.
Organized 1909. President, W. C. Kirchman ; Vice-
President, F. J. Kirchman; Cashier, J. J. Johnson.
Directors: W. C. Kirchman, F. J. Kirchman, J. J.
Johnson, J. F. Bastar, W. H. Kirchman.
) Total paid up capital $ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 20,000
Total deposits $291,700
38 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
WAHOO. SAUNDERS COUNTY NATIONAL
BANK. Organized 1884. President, W. C. Kirch-
man ; Vice-President, F. J. Kirchman ; Cashier, J. J.
Johnson. Directors: F. J. Kirchman, H. C. Peters,
W. C. Kirchman, J. J. Johnson, A. Safranek, J. F.
Bastar.
Total paid up capital $ 50,cxx)
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 58,800
Total deposits $517,800
WESTON. FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK.
Organized 1906. President, W. C. Kirchman ; Vice-
President, F. J. Kirchman ; Cashier, Ferdinand
Pacal. Directors: W. C. Kirchman, F. J. Kirch-
man, Julius Petermichel, Ferdinand Pacal, John
Virgl, Frank J. Kirchman, Jr., Frank A. Vlcan.
Total paid up capital $ 12,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 6,600
Total deposits $151,000
WESTON. THE WESTON BANK. Organized
1886. President, H. F. Blunk; Vice-President, H. N.
Nelson ; Cashier, Frank Koudele, Jr. Directors:
John Ludvik, Joseph B. Bartek, H. F. Blunk, Anton
Swanson, W. H. Nolte.
Total paid up capital $ 18,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 20,000
Total deposits » $425,000
WILBER. BANK OF WILBER. Organized 1902.
President, Adolf Beck; Vice-President, Joseph
Honzik; Cashier, Joseph A. Bartos. Directors:
Adolf Beck, Joseph Honzik, Joseph A. Bartos, A.
M. Bartos, M. Svacina.
Total paid up capital $ 20,000
Total surplus and undivided' profits $ 17,500
Total deposits $375,ooo
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 39
Wilber is a well-known
Czech town in Nebraska, and
F. J. Sadilek is its most im-
portant citizen. Mr. Sadilek's
reputation extends far beyond
the border of his home town ;
the older generation remem-
bers him as a witty speaker
and an interesting newspaper
corresijondent. Though he
held various pnblic offices — in
1882 he served in the State
Legislature and for several
terms was Treasurer of Saline
County— he could really not
be classified as a politician; ^^ J- sadilek
rather he was an unselfish,
hard-working pubhc servant, who considered public office
more as an honor than a money-making proposition.
Horn in 1852 in Bohemia, he came to this country
(Chicago) as a youth of sixteen. The amateur stage
was one of the keenest pleasures of his early man-
hood. Sadilek has an interesting family of nine children
most of whom occupy responsible positions in their
native state. From his "Reminiscences" which he pub-
lished in 1914 we learn that he settled in Wilber in 1875,
when that town had barely been laid out two years.
40 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
WILBER. SALINE STATE BANK. Organized
1883. President, Henry Gund; Vice-President, E.
W. Miskell; Cashier, J. J. Novak. Directors: Henry
Gund, E. W. Miskell, J. J. Novak, Milada D.
Shabata, Joseph Cerny.
Total paid up capital $ 40,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 10,000
Total deposits $650,000
WILBER. WILBER STATE BANK, Organized
1916. President, F. J. Sadilek; Vice-President, A.
Shimonek; Cashier, H. V. Jelinek. Directors: F.
J. Sadilek, A. Shimonek, H. V. Jelinek, Frederick
Shimerda, S. A. Shestak, J. A. Wild, O. J. Kubicek.
Total paid up capital $ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 12,500
Total deposits $414,000
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 41
NEW YORK.
NEW YORK CITY. BANK OF EUROPE. Organ-
ized 1910. President, Thomas Capek; Vice-Presi-
dent, Michael Pilnacek; Cashier, Vincent W.
Woytisek. Directors: Thomas Capek, Michael
Pilnacek, Joseph Appel, John Fica, Emil Markus,
John Karmazin, Alois B. Achec, Emil Polak, Vaclav
Nemecek.
Total paid up capital $ 150,000
Total surplus and undivided profits. ,.$ 299,000
Total deposits $5,500,000
Thomas Capek conies from
sturdy Czech peasant stock.
His father was an enlightened
farmer who believed in
schools and gave four of his
sons the benefit of a higher
education. Thomas, the
youngest of the family, fol-
lowed his elder brothers to
America in 1880 and, like
they, took at first to journal-
istic work. Then he studied
law (University of Michi-
gan) taking, after graduation,
a special literary course at
Columbia College. In Omaha, thomas capek
where he first established him-
self, he was elected to the Legislature (1890-91). Sub-
sequently the Democratic Party nominated him for City
Police Judge, but he was not elected. This defeat put
an end to his ambitions as a politician. Removing in
1894 to New York, he devoted himself to the practice
of law, giving special attention to real estate. Since
1912 he has been President of the Bank of Europe. A
student of hi.story and economics, Capek is the author of
a number of works, among which are: "The Slovaks of
Hungary," 1906; "Bohemia under Hapsburg Misnde,"
1915; "The Bohemian (Cech) Bibliography," i9i8;"The
42 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
Cechs (Bohemians) in America," 1920. He was born in
1861. His son is the co-author of this book.
NORTH DAKOTA.
BOWDON. BOWDON STATE BANK. Organized
1899. President, H. F. Konichek; Vice-President,
G. W. C. Ross; Cashier, B. R. Bartz. Directors:
G. W. C. Ross, H. F. Konichek, M. D. Konichek.
Total paid up capital $ io,cxx)
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 10,000
Total deposits $200,000
One of the older banks, organized when the county
was thrown open to homesteaders.
OKLAHOMA.
YUKON. YUKON NATIONAL BANK. Organ-
ized 191 2. President, J. F. Kroutil ; Vice-Presidents,
F. L. Kroutil and P. J. Kelly ; Cashier, A. A. Pitney.
Directors: J. F. Kroutil, F. L. Kroutil, A. F.
Dobry, E. G. Fisher, P. J. Kelly, A. A. Pitney.
Total paid up capital $ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 25,000
Total deposits $400,000
This bank was started by J. F. Kroutil and F. L.
Kroutil who are interested in milling business.
PENNSYLVANIA.
HAZLETON. HAZLETON SLAVONIC BANK.
Organized 1917. President, John Shigo; Vice-
President, Michael Drosdick ; Cashier, M. Yurkanin.
Directors: John Eagler, Michael Drosdick, Andrew
Hourigan, Michael Lapchak, John Shigo, Andrew
Kotch, John J. Mikula, Edmund Uffalussy, M. G.
Waschko, Dr. J. C. Kochczynski, Harry Savulak,
Stephen F. Payer.
Total paid up capital $ 100,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 72,000
Total deposits $2,040,000
Czechs and Slovaks in American Ranking 43
J. M. HIZNAY
READING. READING LIBERTY BANK. Organ-
ized 1919. President, Stanley F. Warkosczeski ;
Vice-Presidents, John Jakabcin and Thomas
Ratajczak; Cashier, J. M. Hiznay. Directors:
Stanley Chrosczynski, Adam Gajewski, Henry G,
Hodges, John Kubacki, John G. Knbeck, George
Jakabcin, John Jakabcin, George A. I'rokopovitsh,
Thomas Ratajczak, Edgar S. Richardson, John
Rolinski, Stanley F. Warkosczeski.
Total paid up capital $100,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 20,000
Total deposits $37i,ooo
The personnel and capital of this lately established
bank is Slovak-Polish. Stanley F. Warkosczeski, the
President, is by birth a Pole. Emigrating to this country
in 1902, he worked for twelve years as a mechanic in
the Reading Iron Works. His education was obtained
in a night school of his home town. Through his un-
tiring effort the Reading Liberty Bank became a reality.
J. M. Hiznay, the Cashier, a native of Pennsylvania,
is of Slovak parentage. His education completed — he
attended the St. Vincent's College at Beatty, Pa., and the
44 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
Niagara University— he accepted clerkship in the Fi^^st
National Bank of Olyphant. After three years of ex-
perience there, he became assistant cashier of the Slavonic
Deposit Bank of Wilkes- Bar re, remaining there until
the end of 1919, when the Reading Liberty Bank was
organized. Hiznay was bom in Jessup, Pa., in 1890.
SCRANTON. BOSAK STATE BANK. Organized
1915. President, Michael Bosak; Vice-President,
George Munchak ; Cashier, Edward A. Bosak.
Directors: Michael Bosak, T. W. Bartowski, James
A. Doherty, Joseph M. Hiznay, Joseph Hudak,
Joseph Kiesel, George Munchak.
Total paid up capital $ 100,000
Total surplus and undivided profits. . . .$ 176,600
Total deposits $3,709,000
As a banker, Michael
Bosak of Scranton, is without
peer among his Slovak fel-
low-countrymen. Beginning
as a private banker, he found
it advisable, owing to the
rapid expansion of his varied
business interests, to incor-
porate as a state bank. This
in.stitution proved to be a suc-
cess, so much so that at the
beginning of the present year
it was decided lo double the
original capital of $100,000.
Mr. Bosak is also President
MICHAEL DosAK of the First National ISauk of
Olyphant, and Vice-pre.sidtnt
of the Slavonic Dei>osit Bank of Wilkes-Barre. A fine
type of the American self-made man, Mr. Bosak has the
reputation of being a generous, though unostentatious
giver. Bom in Slovakia, he came to this country as a
poor lad.
r
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 45
UNIONTOWN. SLOVAK STATE BANK. Organ-
ized 1918. President, Stephen T. Yanchus; Vice-
Presidents, Anthony J. Kovach and John H. Kamen-
sky; Cashier, C. J. Meres. Directors: Stephen T.
Yanchus, Frank Matyus, Anthony J. Kovach, John
H. Kamensky, M. H. Hernasky, M. J. Mraz,
Emery Pivarnik, Michael Takoch, Jacob Matsko,
John Duggan, Jr.
Total paid up capital $100,006
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 22,500
Total deposits $335»ooo
WILKES-BARRE. SLAVONIC DEPOSIT BANK.
Organized 1912. President, A. V. Kozak; Vice-
Presidents, Michael Bosak and Andrew S. Chuya;
Cashier, H. S. Twarowski. Directors: Michael
Bosak, Andrew S. Chuya, A. V. Kozak, Rev.
Nicholas Chopey, John A. Redington, George A.
Shigo, Frank T. McCormick, S. J. Tyburski.
Total paid up capital $ 100,000
Total surplus and undivided profits. . . .$ 110,000
Total deposits $2,010,000
SOUTH DAKOTA.
KIMBALL. KIMBALL COMMERCIAL & SAV-
INGS BANK. Organized 1907. President, H. A.
Schoenberger ; Vice-President, Frederick Griswald ;
Cashier, Vaclav F. Houda. Directors: F. J.
Schoenberger, John Talich, H. A. Schoenberger,
Frederick Griswald, Vaclav F. Houda.
Total paid up capital $ 20,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 12,000
Total deposits $385,000
The controlling interest in this bank was bought out
by the Czechs in 191 5. Lately the bank moved into a
new stone building.
46 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
LESTERVILLE. FARMERS STATE BANK. Or-
ganized 1919. President, John P. Weber; Vice-
President, Frank Hlavac ; Cashier, J. A. Pekar.
Directors: Joseph V. Hladky. Henry Freidel,
Henry H. Gall, Lars A. Bruce, John P. Weber,
J. A. Pekar.
Total paid up capital $ 30,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 6,000
Total deposits $200,000
LESTERVILLE. LESTERVILLE STATE BANK.
Organized 1894. President, John T. Janda; Vice-
President, Joseph V. Wagner; Cashier, Thomas J.
Wagner. Directors: John T. Janda, Joseph V.
Wagner, Thomas J. Wagner, J. A. Wagner, L. E.
Wagner.
Total paid up capital $ 10,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 15,000
Total deposits $375,ooo
This bank has been managed and controlled by Czechs
since 1905
TABOR. FARMERS SAVINGS BANK. Organized
191 3. President, William Ontjes; Vice-President,
J. A. Ptak; Cashier, Robert Vauk. Directors:
William Ontjes, J. A. Ptak, Robert Vauk, Charles
Vauk, Joseph Novotny.
Total paid up capital $ 15,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 2,500
Total deposits $380,000
Formerly organized with a capital of $10,000, the
growth of this bank necessitated an increase of capital
to $15,000. It is contemplated to increase its capital
again, in the near future, to v$25,ooo. Tabor is a
Czech community.
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 47
TABOR. TABOR STATE BANK. Organized 1900.
President, Joseph V. Wagner; Vice-Presidents,
Thomas J. Wagner arid James A. Wagner ; Cashier,
\ James A. Wagner. Directors: Joseph V. Wagner,
Thomas J. Wagner, James A. Wagner, F. A. Wag-
ner, John T. Janda.
f Total paid up capital $ 25,000
! Total surplus and undivided profits $ 25,000
Total deposits $625,000
This bank has been controlled and managed by the
same interests now holding it since the time of its or-
, ganization. The original capital was $5,000 which was
gradually increased to its present amount as the business
of the bank expanded.
TYNDALL. SECURITY BANK OF TVNDALL.
Organized 1889. President, Peter Byrne; Vice-
Presidents, L. F. Chladek and T. V. Ptak; Cashier,
F. F. Chladek. Directors: Peter Byrne, L. F.
Chladek, T. V. Ptak, George Lehr, L. F. Barber,
Anton Chastka, F. M. Scoblic.
Total paid up capital $ 35,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 70,000
Total deposits $756,000
UTICA. UTICA STATE BANK, Organized 1902.
President, F. A. Wagner; Vice-President, Thomas
J. Wagner; Cashier, A. Walla. Directors: F. A.
Wagner, Thomas J. Wagner, A. Walla.
Total paid up capital $ 25,000
Total surplus and undivided profits. $ 5,000
Total deposits $400,000
48 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
WINNER. SECURITY BANK. Organized 1910.
President, F. J. Kirchman; Vice-Presidents, W. C.
Kirchman and G. F. Kares; Cashier, Lloyd Mengel.
Directors: W. C. Kirchman, F. J. Kirchman, Lloyd
Mengel, Clara L. Kares, G. F. Kares.
Total paid up capital $ 40,ocx)
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 15,000
Total deposits $500,000
Organized when that part of Rosebud Indian Reserva-
tion known as Tripp County was opened for settlement.
Formerly a homesteader's community, Winner now
presents a changed appearance; large farms and well
cultivated soil, all which goes toward giving the Security
Bank a well established and prosperous clientele.
TEXAS*
AMMANSVILLE. AMMANSV ILLE STATE
BANK, Organized 1914. President, George
Herder, Jr. ; Vice-President, J. J. Fietsam ; Cashier,
A. P. Parma. Directors: J. J. Fietsam, George
Herder, Jr., F. J. Menscik, John Lidiak, John F.
Kosa.
Total paid up capital $15,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 6,000
Total deposits $56,000
Was organized by George Herder, Jr., and F. J.
Parma with a capital of $10,000. This was recently in-
creased to $15,000.
GRANGER. GRANGER'S NEW BANK, Organ-
ized 1920. President, Dr. A. C. Mussil; Vice-Presi-
dent, Thomas A. Zrubek; Cashier, Ivan C. Parma.
Directors: Dr. A. C. Mussil, John Baca, A. A.
Spacek, W. E. Thies, Thomas A. Zrubek, V. V.
Elick, G. C. Pope.
Total paid up capital $ 35,000
Total surplus and undivided profits
Total deposits $150,000
♦A state bank with a capital of $250,000 is in process of
organization at West, Tex.
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 49
SCHULENBURG. IGNAZ RUSSEK STATE
BANK, Organized 1918. President, Ignaz Russek;
Vice-President, Ernst Russek ; , Cashier, Henry
Russek. Directors: Ignaz Russek, Ernst Russek,
Henry Russek, Charles Matula, Charles Sengel-
mann, Frederick Bittner, Gus Ruhmann.
Total paid up capital $ 25,cxx)
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 1,800
Total deposits .$200,000
This bank was in private hands since 1881 and was
made a state bank in 191 8.
WISCONSIN
YUBA. YUBA STATE BANK. Organized 1919,
President, Anton Stanek; Vice-President, John M.
Ross; Cashier, D. J. Dagnon. Directors: Anton
Stanek, Joseph E. Liska, John M. Ross, B. K. Bor-
land, E. C. Stewart.
Total paid up capital $10,000
Total surplus and undivided profits $ 1,000
Total deposits $80,000
WONEWOC. CITIZENS STATE BANK. Organ-
ized 1905. President, E. M. Hanzlik; Vice-Presi-
dent, G. H. Roach; Cashier, H. N. Hanzlik. Direc-
tors: G. H. Roach, G. W. Bishop, C. L. Talg, E.
M. Hanzlik.
Total paid up capital $ 10,000
Total surplus and undivided profits 1,500
Total deposits $190,000
50 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
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Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 55
BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS.
IF the saying, "the American home is the safeguard of
American Hberties," means what it impHes, the
Building and Loan Associations have shown themselves
a more potent factor in Americanization than any other
single agency, for through them thousands of wage
earners were enabled to build or purchase their homes.
In Chicago the growth of these associations has been
phenomenal. The first Czech Building and Loan Asso-
ciation originated there in 1870. This pioneer corpora-
tion, we are told, went down because it could not with-
stand the losses resulting from the fire of 187 1 and did
not long survive that date. In 1880 the movement was
revived and one or two of these associations sprang into
existence. They prospered and others followed in
rapidly increasing numbers; the State Inspector of Illi-
nois now lists 128 Czech and 7 Slovak associations in
Chicago, whose total assets aggregate $13,940,198.
In the life of the Cleveland Czechs the Building and
Loan Associations have also been a powerful influence
for home building. "Vcela (Bee), the oldest of these,
was incorporated in 1896, and in twenty years has loaned
over $10,000,000 on Cleveland real estate."* There is,
however, an essential difference between the Illinois and
Ohio associations. While the former operate only as
loan and building associations, the Cleveland type may
receive savings in deposit and so function really as banks
for savings.
Formerly bankers viewed with a jealous eye the opera-
tions of these co-operative associations, looking askance
at them as rivals in business. Of late the bankers and
associations have come to a better understanding; both
sides have learned that it is to their mutual advantage to
co-operate, not to antagonize one another.
♦Eleanor E. Ledbetter. "The Czechs in Cleveland/* p. 11.
Published by the Americanization Committee. Cleveland. 1919.
56 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
Building, Loan and Homestead Associations in Chicago, accord-
ing to the Twenty-seventh Annual Report of the Auditor of
Public Accounts of the State of IlUnois for the year 1918.
NAME ASSETS
Allport B. & L. A. of Chicago $132,941
Alma B. & L, A 20,924
Ben Hur B. & L. A 93,644
Bohemia B. L. A 235,792
Bohemian National B. & L. & Homestead A 360,370
Bohemian Slavonian B. & L. A 33»725
Budoucnost B. & L. A 196,737
B. & L. A. Douglas Park 62,467
Chicago Mutual B. & L. A 78,250
Columbian B. & L. A. of Cicero 18,551
Columbus B. & L. A 13,893
Gold Security B. & L. A 11,888
Hawthorne B. & L. A 42,764
Homan B. & L. A 309,670
Hrad Rabi B. & L. A 78,003
Karel Havlicek B. & L. A 34,329
Lev Homestead A 88,493
Lipany B. & L. A 134,887
Manning B. & L. A 65,798
Marshall B. L. & Homestead A 100,498
Metropolitan Savings & L. A 108,065
Ondrej Hlinka B. & L. A I55,002
Oul Homestead A 61,020
Praha No. 3 L. & B. A 45,123
Progress B. & L. A 9,786
Remeslnik B. & L. A 90,667
Slavia B. & L. A. of Chicago 288,647
Slavonian American B. L. & Homestead A 58,814
Vah-Slavonian B. & L. A 17,707
Vltava B. L. & Homestead A 209,053
Zachrana B. & L. A 2yyg2j
Zajmy Lidu B. & L. A 5,952
Zaruka B. & L. A 50,598
Zelena Hora B. L. & Homestead A 1 12,256
Zlata Hora B. & L. A 168,957
Almira B. & L. A 108,263
Atlas B. & L. A 81,490
Bohemian Republic B. & L. A 3,558
Bohemian Workmans B. L. & Homestead A 114,348
B. & L. A. Rip 108,140 -
B. & L. A. Silver Crown 282,641
Busy Bees Savings & Home Builders A 18,334
Bystra Voda B. & L. A 56,929
Center Ave B. & L. A 45,978
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 57
NAME ASSETS
Cesky Delnik B. & L. A 122,795
Ceska Kalif ornia B. & L. A 734,809
Chrudim B. & L. A 63,144
Daisy B. & L. A 43,01 1
Dobry Domov B. & L. A 33,066
Dunaj B. & L. A 462,779
Irving B. & L. A 7,625
Hamlin B. & L. A 39,495
Harding B. & L. A 49,852
Hospodar B. & L. A 80,381
Jiri Washington B. & L. A 129,562
Karlin B. & L. A 64,337
Karluv Tjm B. L. & Homestead A 64,193
Kaspar B. & L. A 186,457
Klatovy B. & L. A 128,620
Kolin B. & L. A 53,245
Kromeriz B. & L. A 25,613
Lawndale B. & L. A 79,30i
Libuse B. & L. A 54,524
Lstibor B. & L. A 210,215
Millard B. & L. A 39,014
Narodni B. & L. A 27,154
New City B. L. & Homestead A 437,397
North Western Bohemian B. & L. A 149,998
Plzen B. & L. A 101,210
Pravda B. & L. A 1 19,564
Priklad B. & L. A 94,364
Rovnost Homestead A 87,067
Spravnost B. & L. A 36,649
St. Ann's B. & L. A 10,595
Svornost B. L. & Homestead A 38,469
Slavie B. L. & Homestead A 176,313
Slavonian B. & L. Choc. A 30,753
Slovan B. & L. A 253,820
Slovak B. & L. Krivan A 400,589
Tocin B. L. & Homestead A 130,581
Trencin B. & L. A 28!8o7
Trumbull B. & L. A 5M34
Vlastenec B. & L. A 47!7i8
Zdar B. & L. A 76^832
Amerikan B. L. & Homestead A 143)548
Bohemian American Citizens B. & L. A 3i!i9i
Borivoj B. & L. A i89[i79
B. & L. A. Delnicky Krok g'gn
B. & L. A. Tabor No. 2 468 76^
Cechoslovan B. & L. A 53 461
Central Park B. L. & Homestead A e^^^cA
Cesky Domov B. L. & Homestead A 61 672
S8 Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
NAME ASSETS
Clyde B. & L. A 16,698
Domov B. & L. A 269,285
Douglas B. & L. A 53»993
Economy B. & L. A 15,671
Fairfield B. & L. A 167,881
Ferdis Juriga B. & L. A 76,595
Hvezda B. & L. A 31,091
Jan Hus B. & L. A 38,307
Jungman B. & L. A 46,923
Karel Jonas B. & L. A 14,909
Komensky B. & L. A 18,590
Labe B. & L. A 116,426
Magnet Homestead A 35,495
Morava B. & L. A 83,763
Morton Park B. & L. A 54,652
National B. & L. A. of Chicago 39,075
Novy Krok B. & L. A 145,661
Novy Domov B. & L. A 18,807
Oak Park B. & L. A 35,777
Orel Svobody B. & L. A 37,340
Pisek B. & L. A 101,995
Podmokle B. L. & Homestead A 36,396
Radnice B. & L. A 49,187
Rieger B. & L. A 17,643
Security B. & L. A 26,949
Slovenska Vlast B. & L. A 12,004
Slovak B. & L. A. Tatra 136,563
St. Louis B. & L. A 26,269
State B. & L. A 24,594
Sumava B. & L. A 51,023
Svoboda B. L. & Homestead A 172,866
Town of Lake B. L. & Homestead A 78,841
Troy B. & L. A 50,141
Union B. & L. A 406,178
Vernost B. & L. A 68,271
Vinohrad B. & L. A 20,295
Vojta Naprstek B. & L. A 266,166
Vysehrad B. & L. A 222,023
West Side B. & L. A 14,964
Zlata Koruna L. & B. A 354,697
Kedzie B. & L. A 75,837
Benatky B. & L. A 63,843
Cornell B. & L. A 21,504
Total assets $13,940,198
Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking 59
Building and Loan Associations of Cleveland, according to the
Twenty-eighth Annual Report of the Inspector of these Asso-
ciations in Ohio, for the year ending June 30, 1919.
NAME ASSETS
Atlas , Savings & L. Co $879,971
Cech Savings & L. A 646,578
East End B. & L. A 322,830
Federal S. & L. A 940,266
Hospodar B. & L. A 81,966
Oul B. & L. A. Co 387,900
Pleasant View S. & L. A 21,817
Progress B. Savings & L. Co 146,039
Tatra S. & L. A 162,634
Vcela B. & L. A 1,851,459
Total assets $5,441,460
6o Czechs and Slovaks in American Banking
THE BOHEMIA, CZECHOSLOVAK
FOREIGN BANKING CORPORATION
IN PRAGUE ^
THE BOHEMIA, CZECHOSLOVAK FOREIGN
BANKING CORPORATION IN PRAGUE (Bo-
hemia, Ceskoslovenska Zahranicni Banka v. Praze) was
founded in 1908. Its capital stock of 25,000,000 Csl.
crowns will this year be increased to 50,000,000 Csl.
crowns. It has four branches in the Czechoslovak Re-
public, and agencies in Paris and New York. Affiliated
with the bank are: The Bohemia, International For-
warding Company, Ltd. ; The Kosmos, Continental and
Transoceanic Company, Ltd. ; The Komercia Textile Cor-
poration; the Bulgarian Commercial Stock Corporation
of Sophia, Bulgaria; The SHS Trading and Industrial
Company, Ltd., of Belgrade, Serbia.
The "BOHEMIA" specializes in foreign exchange
between the United States and the Czechoslovak Repub-
lic and has unequaled facilities for the prompt execution
of remittances. Its Board of Directors and executive
officers consist of men prominent in the business and
financial field.
The principal correspondent in the United States is the
Bank of Europe, New York.
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