September 25, 2012

THEN AND NOW: The Franklin National Bank Building near Mays.



click on pix to enlarge

We all remember Mays and various stores in the Levittown shopping center on Hempstead Turnpike, a short walk from Division Avenue High School. Of course, over the past 50 years or so, numerous changes have been made and all of the familiar names are gone.

Maybe you remember the Franklin National Bank building, which in this black and white photo is to the left of Thom McAn. Currently, see the color photo, they have been replaced by the Old Country Buffet.

Change is inevitable, but at least we can still see our Levittown in vintage photos and in our memories.

Color photo by Marilyn Monsrud Frese

11 comments:

Marc Josloff said...

I seem to remember a Franklin National Bank across the street on Hempstead Tpk. right before the strip mall which contained the Chinese Restaurant (China Moon?).
It would have been around 1958-1963. Is it possible that the bank had moved its location or am I thinking of another bank or just mistaken?
Marc Josloff - Divsion, '65

Marilyn Monsrud Frese DAHS '63 said...

Hi Marc. I've lived in Levittown since 1948, graduated DAHS in '63, and still live here, around the corner from my old house, where my sister still lives. The FNB (Franklin National Bank) had been in that corner, tsharing the same 'sidewalk' as Mays Dept. Store and TSS. I think what you are talking about was the Republic National Bank (RNB) which opened years later, and then went through a number of 'owners'. The RNB became the Williamsburg Bank, then most recently (maybe 20 yrs. ago) HSBC Bank. About a year ago, the HSBC moved down the turnpike a few blocks to a much smaller facility, and the CVS, which is in the same strip mall where Mays had been, is building a SUPER CVS on the old bank site directly across the street from their current location. They will be moving into that new store in the spring.

I believe Franklin National lasted a number of years after the newer and larger bank opened across the street, but eventually folded. It is now the 'Old Country Buffet"- an all you can eat place, but the food tastes like hospital or school cafeteria food! (At least that is my opinion!)

Hopes this helps grab some memories!

Marc Josloff said...

Thanks, Marilyn!; that helps brings the memory into focus. I believe that the WSB bank was what I passed as I walked to the "Franklin Stamps" hobby store, near China Moon, in the corner strip mall and so I confused the "Franklin" names due to the proximity of the two places. I seem to remember that in elementary school at Northside, we each started a savings account with FNB to learn how to save money. My parents did their banking with the Williamsburg SB. Appreciate your quick response.
Best, Marc

Anonymous said...

Frank,
Did you ever work with David Isaacs in the production of the NCAA Basketball Statisticians' Manual?

Frank Barning said...

Yes, I worked with David Isaacs on this project more than 35 years ago. How did you know about this? I was very proud of the results. Please email me at fbarning@gmail.com

Marilyn Monsrud Frese said...

THE "FRANKSTER" IS BACK!! I've been asked by SO MANY why you were no longer blogging. You and your blog were sorely missed!! Good to see you back in the saddle my friend. Even if it's just an occasional story... good to see you back in action!

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