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Bank of Finance Records
mssBOF  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
Materials documenting the history of the Bank of Finance in South Los Angeles, the first African American-owned, operated, and state-chartered commercial bank, founded in 1964. The collection primarily includes photographic materials, yet contains an ample amount of printed materials, old leases, canceled stock certificates, and ephemera.
Background
The Bank of Finance was the first state-chartered, Black-owned and operated commercial bank in Los Angeles, California. It opened its doors on November 16, 1964, at 2651 South Western Avenue. The bank was established by real estate broker Onie B. Granville; former Los Angeles City Councilman and Mayor Tom Bradley; Drs. Perry Beal and Edward Ballard; real estate broker Lorenzo Spencer; and Wilton A. Clark, owner of the Clark Furniture Company. The team, along with Granville's sister, Bernice Malbrue, served on the first Board of Directors. The impetus behind the bank's formation was to bypass discriminatory housing and lending practices faced by African Americans within the Los Angeles community. It also functioned as a full-service commercial banking institution that offered business and personal loans, checking and savings accounts, and letters of credit. Following the Watts Riots of 1965, the bank aided in the rebuilding of Los Angeles' inner city. In 1981 the bank transferred most of its shares to outside investors, changed its name to West Olympia Bank, and cut ties with the African American community.
Extent
2 Linear Feet (3 boxes)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.