 Bank To Offer Refreshments And Souvenirs
Editor’s Note: The following sources were used in compiling this story: The Holden Progress, The Holden Review and information provided by the Bank of Holden.
The Bank of Holden will celebrate its 135th anniversary on Friday, May 11 with refreshments and a souvenir gift for anyone who stops by from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“This is our way of extending a heartfelt thank you to our customers for their friendship and loyalty,” said Vicki Terry-Brady, co-chairman of the bank’s board of directors.
The anniversary is significant in many ways but is important from a state historical aspect as well. According to state records, the Bank of Holden is the oldest state-chartered bank in the state of Missouri.
The bank originated in 1868 as Smith and Cheney, a private bank and the Bank of Holden was incorporated on May 13, 1872. It began with a paid capital stock of $50,000 and added another $50,000 in 1878 raising the paid capital to $100,000.
Despite undergoing numerous changes and modernizations, the main bank has remained in the same location at the intersection of Market and Second Streets since its inception.
The original building was 48 x 80 feet with a stone front. In June of 1958,workers began taking off the top story of the building. The framework used permitted pedestrials to still walk into the building and on the sidewalks. This renovation featured an imposing structure of marble and gave an entirely new appearance to Second Street. According to the Holden Progress, the project was to be complete by September 15.
In a local advertisement, the bank explained the renovation and modernization was their way to express their sincere appreciation and thanks to their customers for their patronage and confidence in the organization.
“We feel that the improvements and changes to be made will improve our ability to serve you more easily and quickly in pleasant and dignified surroundings. Many new services and the most modern financial equipment available will be at your disposal.”
The renovation was completed by Bank Builders and Designers of Springfield, MO.
More renovations and additions would continue through the years with the bank adding a two-story addition in the rear of the main facility and a new brick exterior that exists today.
The first officers of the bank were W.A. Campbell, T.J. Allison, I. Starkey, J.G. Cope and Chas. Blum. Lewis Chaney was elected as the bank’s first president and I.M. Smith was elected as cashier and secretary.
In 1882, John G. Cope was elected president and served until 1886. Charles C. Tevis followed in that position until 1890 and Samuel Jurden was president from 1890 to 1901. In 1901, H.R. McCutchen was elected president and remained in that position until his death in 1934. His son, W.F. “Waldo” McCutchen, succeeded his father as president in 1934 and held that position until 1971. He was chairman of the board when he died in 1973, ending a 70-year career with the Bank of Holden.
Wm. L. Terry was elected president in 1971, having become associated with the bank in 1957. He and his wife Patricia purchased an interest in the bank in 1965 and he served as chairman of the board until his death in July, 2005. His son, Michael L. Terry, joined the bank in 1972 and was named president in January of 1996 and continues to serve in that capacity today in addition to being secretary of the board.
Wm. Terry’s daughter, Vicki Terry-Brady, joined the bank in June of 1990 and currently serves as executive vice president and co-chairman of the board of directors along with her mother, Patricia R. Terry. Wm. Terry’s grandson, Jeffrey, joined the bank in 1994 and serves as a senior vice president and as a board member as well.
Other current board members include: Weldon Brady, chief loan officer, A.L., Barnett and Lyle Quick.
The bank’s growth over the years has involved additional locations as well as acquisitions of other banks.
The year 1936 was a banner year for the Bank of Holden as they purchased three other area financial institutions. Those included the First National Bank of Holden, the Bank of Kingsville and the Bank of Latour.
Following these puchases, the following appeared in an edition of the Holden Progress.
“We believe our bank has the facilities to efficiently care for the business of the enlarged institution and sincerely hope that these transactions will meet with the approval of new and old friends. To former customers of these facilities, may we welcome you as our customers and give you every assurance of our desire to serve.”
At least one employee from each of the banks purchased continued their financial career with the Bank of Holden.
During the early years of operation, the Bank of Holden survived nation-wide financial panics and the great depression as well. During one of these unstable times in 1873, the only two banks in the county able to weather the storm were the Bank of Holden and one other in Warrensburg.
Today, the Bank of Holden still operates out of its main facility at Market and Second Streets in Holden. In addition, they have established branch facilities at Lloyd’s Foods in east Holden and at Bi-Lo Country Mart in Warrensburg; a drive-up facility on Market and Third Streets in Holden and a full-service bank on south Highway 13 in Warrensburg.
At the present time, they are also considering expansion to other nearby areas.
President Dennis Mason opened the Holden Chamber of Commerce meeting by welcoming Dr. William Cox, D.O. and Janet Clark, R.N.,NP-C of the new Holden Family Health Clinic. The clinic, located at 807 W. Second Street, is now open and they plan a ribbon cutting in June.
The chamber also welcomed Heather Rozzo and Eli Pupovac, owners of The Holden Art Farm at 708 W. Second Street. The Art Farm will be offering classes in tile making, painting, writer’s workshops and yoga classes.
In committee reports, Pat Zvacek reported that the fair theme has been set. It will be "Enjoying the Treasures of our Lives".
In another area, the chamber members agreed to buy two loads of sand for the arena for the rodeo event.
In other committee reports, it was shared that the Chamber after Hours was held a week early on Monday May 7 and was sponsored by Country Creations and Holden Package.
The membership committee also reported the applications are arriving slowly. An estimated 35 members have paid dues.
In other business, Mason announced that the community betterment committee needs someone to serve as the new chairperson and the economic development committee is still working on new signs but noted the old signs need to be taken down.
They also stated that the business park is moving forward with the surveyors locating utilities.
Holden R-II School District superintendent Scott Slava reported there are 35 applicants for the principal’s position which will be vacated when Matt Lindsey relocates to the North Kansas City School District. They are presently in the screening and interviewing process. Slava also told the group that graduation is scheduled for Mother’s Day. May 13 at 2 p.m. at the high school. He reported they are finishing fencing and landscaping for the track facility. He also reported that Holden is leaving the Show Me West Conference for the MRVC the season after next. In final items, he stated that administrators are still dealing with the aftermath of the bomb threat and the district has completed the first steps of MoDot requirements for the sidewalk grant. Main Street, Market and side streets will be improved if the grant is approved.
During his segment, Mason reported that meetings for the Sesquicentennial are being held. He said the planning for the event must be a community-wide participation and the chamber will be creating a yearlong calendar highlighting the events to commemorate Holden’s 150th year. He anticipates that the reenactment to be held April 24, 2008 at the lake will be one of the area’s largest.
In other city news, the farmer’s market will open on June 2. They expect more vendors than last year and for customer appreciation day a possible radio station remote has been planned.
The next regular Chamber of Commerce meeting is scheduled for Thursday June 7 at Harmony House.
By Terry Vinck
News Staff
Meeting in special session late Tuesday afternoon, the Holden R-III School Board voted to adopt superintendent Scott Slava’s recommendation to make May 23 the final day of school for students. The last day will also be an early release day. This opportunity came about with the passage of Missouri Senate Bill 376.
Missouri Governor Matt Blunt signed the bill Friday which states that any school district that cancelled or dismissed classes early for weather-related reasons from January 11 through January 22 is not required to make up the days or hours lost. Any days missed outside of the January window must be made up.
During that period, Holden schools were not in session five days, four due to the weather and one due to a water line break. Previously, the district had scheduled May 30 as the last day of school.
Although R-III students will get an earlier than planned vacation, the last day for certified personnel will be May 30 which will allow teachers to fulfill their contractual obligations to the district. Support staff personnel will work through May 29 in order to draw their anticipated salaries.
During the special meeting, Slava also discussed the possibility of starting the next school year on Aug. 30 to accommodate construction at the high school.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
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Approximately 200 people attended the grand opening of the Holden Art Farm held last Saturday.
According to owners Heather Rozzo and Eli Pupovac, the weather cooperated and the crowds seemed to enjoy browsing through the galleries and the grounds of the farm. Guests were also treated to vegan food created by Heidi Vanpelt of Kansas City who made cheeses and ice cream out of cashews. The food is all non-dairy and very good for you, according to Rozzo. Vanpelt is the creator of “Playfood.”
Music for the occasion was provided by Jerimiah Rozzo and Sterling Holman. A pottery demonstration was given by potter Skip Mathews who was also selling his pieces to the public. There is still some of his pottery on display at the Art Farm, said Pupovac.
Sponsors for the event included Jenny Sollars of Holden Package Store and Scotty Walker of Walker’s Variety Store.
“We had a great response from the community to our upcoming programs especially yoga and the writer’s workshops,” said Rozzo.
The featured artist at the opening was Michael Wickerson, assistant professor of the sculpture department at the Kansas City Art Institute.
Pupovac added they had local visitors along with people from the University of Missouri and from the Kansas City area. “We had tremendous positive encouragement from the public along with several suggestions as to what they would like to see at the farm,” said Pupovac.
“We are considering holding a family night in the future so families can come out and enjoy themselves. One of the big hits of the day was having the kids make hula hoops. Also popular was the graffiti cube which is now sitting out front for all to enjoy,” said Rozzo.
They are also thinking about having a “meet your local artist night” and displaying Pupovac’s paintings and sculptures.
“People are welcome to call us and set up an appointment to come out and view our artwork. We can be reached by calling 816-732-2242,” added Pupovac.
Pupovac and Rozzo are excited about their upcoming schedule of classes which begin this summer. They will be teaching some of the classes themselves but also hope to get some instructors from the Kansas City Art Institute and University of Missouri. Their goal is to offer affordable classes here in the local area for residents.
Some classes that will be offered will be drawing-charcoal, beginning May 15; painting-acrylics, beginning May 16; ceramics-tile making, beginning May 17; yoga-beginners, beginning May 15; writer’s workshop, beginning May 16; and children’s classes to be held over summer break.
For a complete schedule of classes along with times and class fees call Rozzo or Pupovac at 732-2242.
“We are hoping to draw the community in and offer things they will be interested in, which is why we welcome suggestions,” said Rozzo.
Watch for upcoming events at the Holden Art Farm.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
OBITUARIES
BERT H.F.
BLACKMON
Bert H.F. Blackmon, 82, of Holden, died Friday, May 4, 2007 at his home.
He was born Monday, May 12, 1924 in Little Valley, New York, the son of Harry Adams Blackmon and Gladys Olive Fuller Blackmon.
Mr. Blackmon was an Army veteran of World War II. After the war, he went to college and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
He worked as an accountant for an automobile dealership in Jackson, Michigan. In Missouri, he worked for Allis-Chalmers in Independence and retired from Western Electric in Lee’s Summit as a mercury switch tester after 17 years.
Mr. Blackmon was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed playing the piano and singing at the Holden Senior Center.
On October 5, 1946 in Jackson, Michigan he married Doris E. Copeland. She survives at their home.
Also surviving are a daughter G. Suzan Brown and husband Dennis; and a son Daniel Blackmon and wife Janet, all of Holden; three grandsons, Brent Brown, Kent Brown and Derek Blackmon; three great-grandchildren, Revyn, Chasen and Levi.
He was preceded in death by a son John Blackmon; a grandson, Jason Michael Kruid; a sister, Margaret; and a brother George.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2007 at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden with Brent Brown and Don Henson officiating. Burial followed in the Holden Cemetery with flag folding honors rendered by Holden Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post No. 5844 and Munday-Hancock Post No. 90 of the American Legion, Holden, Missouri. Music was by Brent Brown.
Pallbearers were Derek Blackmon, Kent Brown, Tom Mallory, Steve Mallory, Mike Terry and Lonnie Goodwin.
Memorials are suggested to the Holden Senior Center. These may be left at the Chapel.
GAIL L. HOSMANN
Gail L. Hosmann, age 70, of Urich, MO, formerly of Strasburg, Pleasant Hill and Holden, passed away May 5, 2007 at Menorah Hospital in Overland Park, KS.
He was born on June 24, 1936 in Fairfield, MO to Charles C. Hosmann and Mrytle L. Orwin Hosmann.
On August 25, 1962 he married Nancy E. Sanders in Pleasant Hill, MO.
He was a 1951 graduate of Holden High School and served his country with the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1958. He worked for 30 years in the assembly and paint department for General Motors. He retired in 1989, then worked for Prism Retail Service. He attended Big Creek Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife Nancy Hosmann, of the home; two sons, Troy L. Hosmann and wife Heather of Blue Springs, MO, Kirk Hosmann and wife Heidi of Urich, MO; one daughter Peneca and Eldon Mainard of Strasburg, MO; one brother, Emory Hosmann of Clinton, MO; two sisters, Melva L. Stache of Butler, MO, and Mary E. Zigler of Joplin, MO; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many other relatives.
The funeral was held at Wallace Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at 2 p.m. with Reverend George B. Quillen officiating. Burial was in Strasburg Cemetery, Strasburg, MO.
Pallbearers were Andy Guyer, Bill Cotton, Bob Smith, Joseph Huffman, Bryson Hosmann, Adam Garrison, Bob Johnson and Charles Griggs.
EARL EDWIN
RAMSEY
Earl Edwin Ramsey, age 91, Holden, Missouri, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2007 at Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg.
He was born July 28, 1915 in Higginsville, Missouri, the son of Jesse Minchell and Jessie Robinson (Jennings) Ramsey. He had farmed in Lafayette County several years and lived in the Higginsville and Holden communities most of his life.
He leaves one brother, Horace Jay Ramsey, Independence, MO; and two sisters, Maryetta Faulkenbery, Lone Jack, MO, and Ethel Irene Cleveland, Lee’s Summit, MO.
Cremation, under the direction of Ben Cast & Son - Wood Funeral Home, Holden, MO.
ALMA MARIE RYAN
Alma Marie Ryan, 90, of Independence, MO, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2007.
Alma was born November 5, 1916 to Earl and Rosa “Hurr” Paul in Kingsville, MO. She grew up in Holden, Chilhowee and the Latour, MO areas. The family moved to Lamar, MO where they farmed for many years.
On February 17, 1937 she married Claude A. Ryan, Sr., in Kenoma, MO. They moved to Independence in 1940.
Alma worked for Stuart Hall Corporation in the 1950s. She was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church of Independence, MO.
She is survived by her daughters Gloria White and companion Buddy Sellers, Windsor, MO, and Margaret Bridge of Wellsville, KS; her son Claude “Sonny” A. Ryan, Jr. and wife Sue of Independence, MO; one sister Ethel Kaderly of Lamar, MO; nine grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Alma was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Claude A. Ryan, Sr.; a sister Myrtle McKinney of Holden, MO; and a great-grandson Ryan Lee Gifford.
Funeral services were held at D.W. Newcomer’s Floral Hills Chapel Saturday, May 5, 2007 at noon with visitation from 11 a.m. to noon. Burial was in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements were under the direction of D.W. Newcomer’s Floral Hills Chapel, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., KC MO 64133, 353-1218.
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