Longview #21: Big Four Building & Lumberman’s Bank Clock

1329 Commerce Avenue

Big Four Building on September 5, 2005.

This building was built in 1923 as the Lumberman's Bank & Trust Company. It originally had more classical architecture.

Big Four Building on July 28, 2007.

 

The 12-foot-tall, 4-faced clock was placed in front of the building on August 13, 1926. It was manufactured by the Albany Pedestal Chime Clock System and was purchased through the O. B. McClintock Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

Lumberman’s Bank Clock on July 28, 2007.

 

Lumberman's Bank failed during the Great Depression, being forced closed by the State Banking Supervisor on July 30, 1931. The Big Four Furniture Company purchased the building on June 19, 1934 and remodeled it into Art Deco styling to disassociate itself from the failed bank, however the clock remained.

 

Lumberman’s Bank Clock on July 28, 2007.

The Big Four Building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 5, 1985.

Lumberman’s Bank Clock on July 28, 2007.

Historical Photo:
View of Commerce Avenue in the 1920s showing the Lumberman's Bank Building (The Daily News)

Related Links:
Big Four Building at the Cowlitz County Parcel Search

Continue to 22: “Big Benjamin” Steam Whistle…