Drive-in Banking Ad – May 5, 1956

In 2019, personal banking can be done entirely online or with a mobile device. The result? It's not necessary to ever visit the actual branch office. It’s a sign of the times embraced by the majority of the public. (But not me; I like going to the bank – and helping tellers hold on to their jobs to boot.)

But back in 1956, you still had to go to the bank. Thus, the hottest trend in banking back then was the drive-through teller.

Above is the announcement that this particular convenience was now available at Lorain Banking Company at their new drive-in branch on Sixth Street. The ad ran in the Lorain Journal on May 5, 1956.

What’s kind of interesting is that it took Lorain Banking Company so long to do it. The Central Bank Co. had its “exclusive” drive-in teller service up and running in 1951, according to this 1952 ad celebrating its achievement.

Anyway, Lorain Banking Company merged with National Bank of Lorain to form Lorain National in 1961. Lorain National was sold to Northwest Bank in 2014, and that is the branding on the Sixth Street drive-in service today.