First National Bank (Birmingham, MI)

Episode Information

Episode UID
987401598
Episode Type
Suspension β†’ Closure
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
98740 national
Charter Number
9874
Start Date
February 14, 1933
Location
Birmingham, Michigan

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
d54a962382a69f86

Response Measures

None

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate
62.5%
Date receivership started
1933-10-14
Share of assets assessed as good
41.6%
Share of assets assessed as doubtful
55.5%
Share of assets assessed as worthless
2.9%

Description

Bank closed under Michigan's statewide eight-day moratorium and was later placed in receivership.

Events (4)

1. October 18, 1910 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. February 14, 1933 Suspension
Cause
Government Action
Cause Details
Statewide eight-day banking moratorium ordered by Governor Comstock in response to crisis centered on Union Guardian Trust of Detroit.
Newspaper Excerpt
Every bank and financial institution in Michigan was closed today under a sweeping, eight-day suspension order issued ... by Governor William A. Comstock.
Source
newspapers
3. October 14, 1933 Receivership
Source
historical_nic
4. October 14, 1933 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
He was appointed receiver of the closed institution on Oct. 14, 1933, ... The bank closed at the time of the Michigan bank holiday and was immediately placed under the conservatorship of Charles E. James.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (17)

Article from The Indianapolis Times, February 14, 1933

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Article Text

BY LESLIE D. HARROP United Press Staff Correspondent DETROIT, Feb. 14.β€”Every bank and financial institu- tion in Michigan was closed today under a sweeping, eight- day suspension order issued in the early hours of the morning by Governor William A. Comstock. The closing order brought to a standstill the financial affairs of Detroit, the nation's automobile capital, and halted similar activity in scores of farming and industrial communities of the state, which has a population of more than five million. Immediate necessity for the unprecedented moratorium was created, Governor Comstock declared, by a crisis in the


Article from Imperial Valley Press, February 14, 1933

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Article Text

By LESLIE D. HARROP United Press Staff Correspondent DETROIT, Feb. 14.-Every bank and financial institution in the state of Michigan was closed today under a sweeping, eight day suspension order issued in the early hours of the morning by Gov. William A. Comstock. The closing order brought to a standstill the financial affairs of Detroit, the nation's automobile capital, and halted similar activity in scores of farming and industrial communities of the state, which has a population of more than five million. Immediate necessity for the unprecedented moratorium was crelated, Comstock declared, by a crisis in the affairs of the Union Guardian Trust company of Detroit. He said he understood the trust company would have had to close its doors. Emergency measures were started by Michigan banking department officials to provide the necessary cash to tide the state over the holiday. Plans, under which small and necessary bank withdrawals could be made were considered by R. E. Reichert, state banking commissioner. A possibility that the eight day banking holiday "might be modified in a day or so after the (Continued On Page 6)


Article Text

EIGHT DAYS Governor Takes Dictator's Powers to Prevent Financial, Chaos in State DETROIT, 14. William Comstock today, formal an ruling soften the effects ruling the the trust for today, order. Banks reopen his taking small and checks day with this ruling the banks state. Virtually peninsula mained the Michigan officials with Union and the state's banking strueture." By PAUL WEBER ISTAFF CORRESPONDENT SERVICE] DETROIT. Feb. ing the power of a dictator to save the state from financial chaos, William A. Comstock today closed every bank and trust m Michigan for an period. The state legislature was to be asked later today to approve his action. tied up in posits and trust funds. Five hundred banks trust companies affected. governors of the Detroit would closed for duration the OF EDICT The edict with dramatic while the state's millions, in their cities, lages and farms, slept of the danger threatened. Only of financial and political leaders remained In sleepless conferences behind doors of the dilemma. statement financial situation which made the "holiday" necessary, centered in Detroit's gigantic Union Trust of which (Continued on Page Three)


Article Text

THE MICHIGAN MORATORIUM The Governor of Michigan has closed all the banks and trust companies in his State for eight days. It is the same thing, on a larger scale, as has happened in many small towns in the Middle West and West during Shutdowns the course of this depression. It has happened all over Michigan for the same reason, Vs. Runs which appears to us to be a good reason. This reason simply is that the gold standard dollar has been growing more and more un-get-atable. It is better to freeze money in the banks and go on a scrip basis temporarily than to permit bank runs, which might produce bank failures. We think Gov. Comstock of Michigan has acted wisely and with true prudence. As we see it, the Michigan moratorium is another argument for cheapening the dollar so that people can get it more easily to buy goods, pay debts and keep business in motion. President Hoover told us Monday night in solemn tones that if we go off the gold standard we shall have economic disaster. What does he think we're having now, while we still cling to the gold standard?


Article Text

THE MICHIGAN MORATORIUM The Governor of Michigan has closed all the banks and trust companies in his State for eight days. It is the same thing, on a larger scale, as has happened in many small towns in the Middle West and West during Shutdowns the course of this depression. It has happened all over Michigan for the same reason, Vs. Runs which appears to us to be a good reason. This reason simply is that the gold standard dollar has been growing more and more un-get-atable. It is better to freeze money in the banks and go on a scrip basis temporarily than to permit bank runs, which might produce bank failures. We think Gov. Comstock of Michigan has acted wisely and with true prudence. As we see it, the Michigan moratorium is another argument for cheapening the dollar so that people can get it more easily to buy goods, pay debts and keep business in motion. President Hoover told us Monday night in solemn tones that if we go off the gold standard we shall have economic disaster. What does he think we're having now?


Article Text

THE MICHIGAN MORATORIUM The Governor of Michigan has closed all the banks and trust companies in his State for eight days. It is the same thing, on a larger scale, as has happened in many small towns in the Middle West and West during Shutdowns the course of this depression. It has happened all over Michigan for the same reason, Vs. Runs which appears to us to be a good reason. This reason simply is that the gold standard dollar has been growing more and more un-get-atable. It is better to freeze money in the banks and go on a serip basis temporarily than to permit bank runs, which might produce bank failures. We think Gov. Comstock of Michigan has acted wisely and with true prudence. As we see it, the Michigan moratorium is another argument for cheapening the dollar so that people can get it more easily to buy goods, pay debts and keep business in motion. President Hoover told us Monday night in solemn tones that if we go off the gold standard we shall have economic disaster. What does he think we're having now, while we still cling to the gold standard?


Article Text

THE MICHIGAN MORATORIUM Vs. Runs The Governor of Michigan has closed all the banks and trust companies in his State for eight days. It is the same thing, on a larger scale, as has happened in many small towns in the Middle West and West during Shutdowns the course of this depression. It has happened all over Michigan for the same reason, which appears to us to be a good reason. This reason simply is that the gold standard dollar has been growing more and more un-get-atable. It is better to freeze money in the banks and go on a scrip basis temporarily than to permit bank runs, which might produce bank failures. We think Gov. Comstock of Michigan has acted wisely and with true prudence. As we see it, the Michigan moratorium is another argument for cheapening the dollar SO that people can get it more easily to buy goods, pay debts and keep business in motion. President Hoover told us Monday night in solemn tones that if we go off the gold standard we shall have economic disaster. What does he think we're having now, while we still cling to the gold standard?


Article Text

THE MICHIGAN MORATORIUM The Governor of Michigan has closed all the banks and trust companies in his State for eight days. It is the same thing. on a larger scale, as has happened in many small towns in the Middle West and West during Shutdowns the course of this depression. It has happened all over Michigan for the same reason, Vs. Runs which appears to us to be a good reason. This reason simply is that the gold standard dollar has been growing more and more un-get-atable. It is better to freeze money in the banks and go on a scrip basis temporarily than to permit bank runs. which might produce bank failures. We think Gov. Comstock of Michigan has acted wisely and with true prudence. As we see it. the Michigan moratorium is another argument for cheapening the dollar so that people can get it more easily to buy goods, pay debts and keep business in motion. President Hoover told us Monday night in solemn tones that if we go off the gold standard we shall have economic disaster. What does he think we're having now


Article Text

THE MICHIGAN MORATORIUM Shutdowns Vs. Runs The Governor of Michigan has closed all the banks and trust companies in his State for eight days. It is the same thing. on a larger scale, as has happened in many small towns in the Middle West and West during the course of this depression. It has happened all over Michigan for the same reason, which appears to us to be a good reason. This reason simply is that the gold standard dollar has been growing more and more un-get-atable. It is better to freeze money in the banks and go on a scrip basis temporarily than to permit bank runs, which might produce bank failures. We think Gov. Comstock of Michigan has acted wisely and with true prudence. As we see it, the Michigan moratorium is another argument for cheapening the dollar so that people can get it more easily to buy goods, pay debts and keep business in motion President Hoover told us Monday night in solemn tones that if we go off the gold standard we shall have economic disaster. What does he think we're having now ?


Article from The Bismarck Tribune, February 16, 1933

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Article Text

# Holiday It was a vigorous and drastic step which Governor Comstock took to curb a prospective run on Michigan's banks but one which time probably will prove to have been beneficial. To close every bank in a state means to put an immediate halt to business. Without the services of these important institutions the holiday becomes one in fact as well as in name. But it is a good deal better to have an eight-day respite throughout the entire state than disaster in many communities with banks permanently closed. Probably all of those banks will be able to pull through if properly supported. Eight days will give the banks ample time to liquify some of their resources but, more important, it will give the public a chance to think it over and cool down. Sometimes a holiday is a wonderful thing.


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MICHIGAN'S BANKS OPENED TODAY FOR LIMITED BUSINESS gan's banks opened for restricted business today. some of them for the first time since Governor William A. Comstock's emergency closing order ten days ago. Rudolph E. Reichert state banking said that most banks were "doing business in the best possible way," and congratulated the state's bankers on their cooperation during the emergency. He said that most banks were cashing checks that had not already been cleared, on the depository percentage basis laid down in the governor's second proclamation issued Tuesday. Generally, the banks were following the plan under operation for the past week in Detroit, allowing depositors to withdraw 5 per cent of their deposits. In Detroit at the opening hour there were no lineups outside the banks and few instances of unusual numbers of customers inside.


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NEWS Page. Movie Reel Editorial Movies Markets Winchell Ads Folly Island. Weather Radio Sports 16 Plans started for early pres. the west farm relief proposal. Page The United States general ruling on the proper of assembling to vote repeal. Page The senate banking heard charge the City control the mar ket for its stock. Page Senator assailed he clared control by New York Page The senate did some expense paring and then wiped added Page Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt belated apology from health officer. Page Senator Thomas Walsh sailed for Cuba to marry sugar grower's Page President Roosevelt appointed Representative Douglas of Arizona as budget director. Page Michigan banks reopened. Page 2. Dr. Charles urged cational guidance for employed adults. Page The repeal proposal was put Page The city council committee recommended the department personnel cut Page The park board had natural goldfish bowl Birch at Page Presidents of state teachers' col. united against the proposed curtailment of the state sys. tem. Page Northwest Feed Dealers told unregulated trucks affected their business. Knowledge of school subjects was called not the essential of education of girls by Dr. Malcome Mc. Lean. Page Miss Helen Wilson, former resident of Minneapolis, died Tre mezzio, Page 6. Patrick 79. deputy sheriff, fell dead. Page Two suspended Paul policemen were sentenced for larceny. Page SINCE prohibition went effect several states which were dry have shown wet sentiment. map and story indicate the Page President-elect Roosevelt has decided he'll rely on service agents guard him the inanguration. He told Arlayne Brown, world champion revolver shot. offered that she won't be needed. Page The intelligence that gets marks not the only from educator. Dr. Malcolm college rector the University of urged education that will fit life. Page The big Japanese drive in Jehol started. Page The Mount Everest plane party from Sicily after five Page WOMEN'S NEWS. Evon Nollette describes garments designed for double duty. Page 13. for Swedish meat balls by Kate Smith. Page 13. Restlessness is Elsie Page 13. Jessie DeBoth presents Sunday dinner menu. Page 13. SPORTS. Mickey shaded Frankie Knauer the six-round of the boxing Page 16. The city high school basketball will wind up today. Page 16 Page 17. Alexandria's quintet was elimi nated by the St. Paul Flyers in the feature of the amateur basketball the Ascen sions, Holy Cross and Belle Plaine also won. Page 17. MARKETE Bullish vanished in the Minneapolis pit; Chicago tumbled. Page 18. Stock values slumped to new low averages on large turnover. Page 19. Bonds suffered the worst relapse since the first the 19. Page 19. Dog and lamb trade advanced in South St. Paul: cattle prices mained unchanged. Page


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DETROIT BANK PROBE COUNTY BEGUN BY of Jo. liam R. rector read pulpit from President with Coughlin connection The titude cola president to letter urged the day with the the decision wanted that and Kingston, Mich. apparently "your advisors priest.' by Silent on Priest's Remarks of today Mr. Pratt's first in call on Gregory on day he banks. The the two declined to priest' Lincoln whether on he Police charges the at cerning the liquidity of $2,100 National Pratt and ported determined future action will nothing to and lic. attorney to is highly Amendments ground of inter already become subject of issues of Stair Asks Immediate Probe interest Stair expected Detroit ranking On Press and extent approximately Walter copy months President Kentucky attack made Both them himself for clarify situation and has the be of complete unafraid and eager roads for the from slanderous wreckmoney would Plan to Keep Going H. for the Union Guardian company today addressed by of written having in which efforts holding said keep the company The Union like Bank panies, and one of the fied Guardian Union Group Roosevelt The new National Bank of the opprovide facilities exchange and the checks With the mark, the bank announced cash tomers limited to properly identified entitled to service The bank, financed Motors poration opened Friday Rev. Gallagher Uninformed The Rt. Rev. Michael Galbishop formal stateCoughlin made serious charges of the Detroit bankers this address was written night after aware of its contents. part prosecuting attorney and made his charges claims to have the proofs but has not yet produced them. have had the greatest the our Detroit bankers the fact withdrew no funds the other those the of have had attitude understood that when situation he not ing for the Catholic and opinions are only as good as his arguments. Birmingham, March (By First National bank of special fund deposits and accept fund deposits non-interbearing basis today The bank was placed the of last week. Grand March Edward Mills, cashier, today took his duties servator for the loan deposit bank here.


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Birmingham Bank Receiver Resigns Seeley Was Appointed by Horatio J. Abbott BIRMINGHAM, Jan. 27β€”Thad D. Seeley has tendered his resignation as receiver for the defunct First National Bank of Birmingham, it became known here Sunday. Seeley, a life-long Republican, was appointed receiver of the closed institution on Oct. 14, 1933, by Horatio J. Abbott, Michigan member of the Democratic National Committee. Although no dividend has been declared under Seeley's receivership, application has been made for a RFC loan on the bank's assets with which Seeley planned to pay a dividend. The bank closed at the time of the Michigan bank holiday and was immediately placed under the conservatorship of Charles E. James.


Article Text

BIRMINGHAM, Jan. 27β€”Thad D. Seeley has tendered his resignation as receiver for the defunct First National Bank of Birmingham, it became known here Sunday. Seeley, a life-long Republican, was appointed receiver of the closed institution on Oct. 14, 1933, by Horatio J. Abbott, Michigan member of the Democratic National Committee. Although no dividend has been declared under Seeley's receivership, application has been made for a RFC loan on the bank's assets with which Seeley planned to pay a dividend. The bank closed at the time of the Michigan bank holiday and was immediately placed under the conservatorship of Charles E. James.


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New Bank Receiver Named BIRMINGHAM, Jan. 31β€”Harry R. Cooley, of Ann Arbor, has been appointed receiver of the First National Bank of Birmingham, to succeed Thad D. Seely, of Pontiac, who resigned last Saturday. The appointment was recommended by Horatio Abbott, Democratic National Committeeman for Michigan. The first anniversary of the occupancy of their fraternity home will be celebrated with a dance and floor show Saturday night by members of Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Pi Psi Fraternity.


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BANK PLANS PAYOFF DETROIT, July 18 (AP) β€” H. R. Cooley, receiver for the First National bank of Birmingham, announced Thursday that the second 20 percent dividends will be paid beginning July 22.