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We
once photographed this former bank building years ago (pre-digital) for its more
than generous offering of stonework. The building was for sale even then. The
carvings represent nearly every (manly) occupation in the Beaumont
area when the bank was built.
There were farmers, concrete pourers, electricians,
lumbermen, river pilots and even a rat-catcher. (Or at least a man that appears
to be decapitating a rodent of some sort.) (See images) |
The
Beaumont Bank Building
Photo by John Troesser, April 2012 |
The
overall impression of the building is a cross between an ancient Egyptian tomb
and Scrooge McDuck’s money bin. Intimidating to would-be robbers? You bet. There’s
only one entrance with a door that couldn’t be opened carrying both a gun and
money bags.
But what of robbers who used fountain pens instead of guns?
It appears as though the bank conferred with the detail architect and included
two panels way up high on the building’s façade.
They are hard to notice,
even without pedestrians or traffic. These photos were taken from the middle of
the street on a Friday afternoon. The panels show two neatly-dressed men seated
at a table. Behind them are uniformed guards. In the first panel (left facing
the building) there’s a large bag of money between the two.
In the second
panel an un-uniformed man stands behind the man seated on the left. He’s holding
two smaller bags of money while the man seated opposite him sits with his head
lowered in apparent shame. The banker is holding a (finely etched) paper. |
 |
"There’s
a large bag of money between the two"
Photo by John Troesser, April 2012 |
"He’s
holding two smaller bags of money while the man seated opposite him sits with
his head lowered in apparent shame."
Photo by John Troesser, April 2012 |
Since
there’s no text present (Late Borrowers will Be Given Life Sentences) to explain
the story, it’s confusing as to what exactly is going on. As ornamental bank details,
they may be unique. Since the building is now for sale, inquiries cannot be made
inside (as if…).
Anyone with a plausible or amusing story of what’s happening
in these two panels can write to editor@texasescapes.com
with the subject line of Beaumont Bank Building. Emails will be added to this
page. |
Building
Detail (one of 12 vocational panels)
Photo by John Troesser, April 2012 |
Serious Pouring
Photo
by John Troesser, April 2012 |
In
an over-the-door tableau, a banker implores hardworking Beaumonters to dress themselves.
Photo
by John Troesser, April 2012 |
Deserted
Downtown Beaumont at 6:20:
"Does
anybody really know what time it is?"
Photo by John Troesser, April 2012 | |
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