As of 2 p.m. last Friday, despite 124 years of service and
tradition, Bank of America closed the door on the village of Richfield
Springs.
“There are no plans to do anything with the building, but it will
still be owned by Bank of America,” said Branch Manager Michael Marmet.
He also noted that customers will be able to continue banking with
Bank of America online or through nearby branches in West Winfield and
Ilion.
Bank of America headquarters did not respond prior to deadline.
Recently, Marmet shared a recounting of the branch’s history, which
weathered the Great Depression, two world wars and the slow demise of
the village of Richfield Springs, not to mention numerous name changes.
The bank first opened its doors to the public in April, 1882, as
First National Bank in Richfield Springs. In 1956, it merged with the
State Bank of Albany. Ten years later, it moved from its original
location of 51 Main Street to the current location, 108 Main Street.
Other mergers and name changes include a switch to Norstar Bank of
Upstate, NY in 1984; a 1988 merger with State Norstar Bank of
Callicoon; shortly after this a switch back to Norstar Bank of Upstate
NY worked until 1992. At that time it became Fleet Bank of New York,
then just Fleet Bank in 1994. In 1997, the bank merged again, this time
with Federal Fleet Bank of North America.
The last merger with Bank of America occurred in 2004, which it remained until last week.
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