Name/Title
People’s Bank Photo CollectionEntry/Object ID
1111.400.1Description
Photo Collection of The People’s Bank
1111.400.1.1- On April 11,1887, The first bank in
Hammonton was in the residence
of Mrs. Nettie Tomlin on the corner
of Bellevue Ave. and Horton St. It
was called “The People’s Bank”.
1111.400.1.2- It was 12 years later, on August 27,
1898, when People’s Bank,
designed by William Bernshouse,
opened their new brick building at
236 Bellevue Ave and Central Ave.
1111.400.1.3- Cozy Quarters of “old” People’s
Bank
1111.400.1.4- As can be seen, the bank was
constructed right at the “V” of
Bellevue and Central.
1111.400.1.5- Take a look down Central Avenue.
Note the bars on the windows of
the bank. This was done to assure
customers that their money was
safe to deposit.
1111.400.1.6- Many of the town’s leading citizens
served as directors and personnel
of the bank. From left: William
Doerfil, William L. Black, Edward
Johnson, Nellie Gentil, Wilbur
Tilton
1111.400.1.7- A view of the interior of the bank
taken on April 11, 1912. Question:
Does this date have any
significance? Answer: The photo
was taken the same week as the
sinking of the Titanic and 25 years
after the opening of the bank. J.A.
Waas’ (Director of Bank) name on
back of photo.
1111.400.1.8- Celebrating July 4th with as many
flags and buntings as possible.
1111.400.1.9- In 1925, the old 1898 brick
building was moved from
Bellevue to the corner of Vine
Street and Central and replaced
the 1887 Town Hall. Construction
of a new People’s Bank was
underway next to the property of
the old bank on Bellevue. This
building shown became the Town
Hall once the new bank opened in
1926. Note the building to the
right of the bank. This was to
become the Historical Society of
Hammonton, later moved to
School House Lane (Vine St) in
Veteran’s Park.
1111.400.1.10- Old 1898 Peoples Bank and new
1926 People’s Bank.
1111.400.1.11- The beautiful new People’s Bank
opened February 20, 1926.
1111.400.1.12- The view down Central Ave,
showing the cars of the day
parked along the street.
1111.400.1.13- A postcard from1929. Note the
original Seth Thomas clock, installed in
1922, but was struck by an old Tin Lizzy
car in 1928. An exact duplicate as seen
in the photo replaced the damaged
clock.
1111.400.1.14- 1953- In an effort to boost business and
gain customers, the bank
instituted giving away incentives
and promoting games to win
prizes, etc. This photo depicts a
contest to guess how long the
Christmas candle will burn. The
customers could win a $25 or $50
savings bond or $10 cash
1111.400.1.15- 1956 People’s Bank
1111.400.1.16- Collection of photos of directors
on outings
1111.400.2- Sketch of People’s Bank found in
pamphlet in “The People’s Bank
of Hammonton”.Acquisition
Accession
1111.400Source or Donor
UnknownAcquisition Method
FoundLocation
Location
* Untyped Location
Museum- Banks & Banking Archival BoxDate
July 25, 2026Condition
Reason for Exam
InventoryOverall Condition
GoodDate Examined
Jul 25, 2026Examined By
Deborah White
