I’ve always loved the outside of the historic Ladd & Bush Bank in downtown Salem. The ornate carvings above the main doors are beautiful and matched only by the detail of the metal gates at the same location.
Since the onset of drive-through windows and online banking, the art of carefully crafting such a stately building to house financial services may now be a thing of the past. Walking hurriedly past this building, even I sometimes fail to stop and appreciate this gem of downtown Salem. So… when looking to tour a bank with my kiddos (and friends) I decided that Ladd & Bush would be the perfect place to learn about Salem history as well as bank services.
The Ladd & Bush Bank Building was first built in 1909. It is said to be the “first steel and concrete fire-resistant building in Salem” and “Salem’s first financial institution.”
Our tour gave us a peek at the original safe, cases of antique coins and measurements, and several old “calculators” formerly used in money counting. We were also able to visit the basement, the safe deposit boxes, and the large current day vault. Correction: the children were able to visit the vault. Adults had to wait in the lobby. My 5 year old thought this detail was absolutely delightful. He humbly tried to offer his sympathy by saying, “Sorry you had to miss the fun Mom. It’s just that you are so old.”
Overall, it was a great tour. Interesting for all ages
(even us old-folks). Thank you to US Bank for hosting!
(even us old-folks). Thank you to US Bank for hosting!
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