| | Abstract: | Society Corporation was Ohio's first registered bank holding company, formed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1958 when the Society for Savings (founded in 1849 as a mutual savings bank) was merged into Society National Bank (a stock bank organized in 1956 to provide commercial banking services as a subsidiary of Society for Savings). Myron T. Herrick was president of Society for Savings from 1894-1905 and 1908-1921. A pioneer in issuing term and capital loans during the Depression, Society was also a leader in marketing and promotional methods for attracting new depositors. The unprecedented unification of Society for Savings and Society National Bank in 1958 was orchestrated by president Mervin B. France. Litigation regarding the merger was not settled until 1962. By 1989, Society Corporation had affiliates in four regions of Ohio and controlled assets of over $9 billion. Its most formidable acquisition was that of Centran Corporation in 1985, itself a regional multi-bank holding company. The collection consists of individual and group portraits of members of the board of directors, trustees, officers, and employees. The majority of photographs consist of exterior and interior views of Society Corporation's affiliate bank acquisitions and numerous branch offices, in particular those of Central National Bank of Cleveland, Ohio. Views also depict outdoor signs, open houses, events, presentations, displays, and programs. Photographic views of the city of Cleveland, including Public Square, the Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland State University, aerial views, demolition of the Cuyahoga and Williamson buildings and construction of the BP building, and miscellaneous Cleveland landmarks are also included. | |
