Nutmeg Nationals

The Birmingham National Bank occupies different levels of significance in my life. On a personal level, the building has hosted a handful of restaurants in recent decades, one of which is where I had my rehearsal dinner for my first marriage. Located in downtown Derby, Connecticut, the building over looks the Housatonic River which runs the entire length of the western edge of the state and has remain unchanged since it was built.

Derby bills itself as “Connecticut’s smallest city” after having once encompassed what are now known as the towns of Oxford, Seymour, Beacon Falls, and Ansonia (which also had its own National Bank).

Noted as one of the “Most Haunted Restaurants in the United States”, this historic landmark, originally built in 1892 was originally the old Birmingham National Bank and still maintains the original vault from the bank in the main dining room.

The Birmingham National Bank also has the distinction of being the first Connecticut bank inducted in to my collection. This was the note that truly embedded the intrigue within me as it pertains to Nationals. It was here that it registered with me that I could collect local history that connected with people in everyday life. As with postage stamps, everyday people handled these notes. They were spent within the community bearing the name of the bank right up the street! It fascinated me.

Although the signatures have long since faded, it was signed by Cashier Frank M. Clark and President Charles H. Nettleton who served together for 11 years from 1914-1925.