he Union Bank, the oldest bank in Redlands proper, was opened for business on May 1, 1887, at which time its own building was ready for occupancy and was the first business structure of any pretensions erected in the projected city. The first directorate consisted of S. J. Hayes, Wm. Craig, H.M. Barton, Lewis Jacobs, R. J. Waters, J.F. Drake, E. G. Judson, R. B. Lane and Curtis Wells. Mr. Wells was elected president and R. B. Lane cashier. Its solidity as a banking institution is unquestionable. To the capital of $50,000 has been added a surplus of $15,000, besides paying regular 5% semi-annual dividends. It owns no real estate, except its own banking house. The products of the surrounding country are very largely marketed through it. Its financial policy has always been very conservative. Speculative enterprises have always been avoided. It has on deposit no county or other public funds, consequently no preferred creditors. Under the laws of California the liability of the stockholders is unlimited. Its present directorate consists of I. L. Lyon, S. J. Hayes, F. P. Meserve, Wm. Craig, Lewis Jacobs, H. H. Garstin and Curtis Wells. Curtis Wells is president; Samuel J. Hayes, vice-president; K.C. Wells, cashier; H. H. Ford, assistant cashier.

Redlands in April 1887, showing Union Bank and other buildings in process of construction (Top photo left.)

State Street in April 1887 Union Bank nearing completion (Second photo left.)

Union Bank building, September, 1888 (Third photo left.)

Union Bank building, February, 1889 (Bottom photo left.)

(Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897)