First National Bank    

The old opera house was built about 1868 by Nelson Williams, and was opened with a concert by famous Norwegian violinist Ole Bull.  To old settlers this became known as the Williams Block.  Originally downstairs was a store and post office, upstairs was the Opera Hall. 

In 1899 the First National Bank moved into the first floor corner and in 1905 First National Bank purchased the old opera house block from the Norris estate, B.E. Wait and Dr. H.A. Chipman, for the considerable sum of $15,000.  

History of Madison, Dane County and Surroundings 1877,
reprint 1977

Early Presidents of First National Bank:

L.D. Moses                                      1899 - 1903

Leander Choate                             1904 - 1910

J.M. Clancey                                    1911 - 1925

Kvamme Files, Stoughton Public Library

First National Bank, NE corner of Division and Main, known locally as the Williams Block.

First National Bank moved from their Division and Main location and opened for business in their new building on Monday, March 19th, 1962 (current location of the new City Hall offices).  The original address was 110 North Forrest and changed in 1970 to 207 South Forrest Street.  

Back of 1962 postcard is printed:   "First National Bank was designed by STEINMANN ARCHITECTS, Monticello, Wisconsin.  Presenting "Banking in the Round", under one of the largest self-supporting glass domes in the world, in a "building of the future" which contains many unique and advanced features to provide the very best in banking service."