BOTTINEAU—More than 100 years ago, wood gave way to stone. Over the years the stone building, a symbol of strength and a proud focal point in the community, began to show its age.
The relentless winds of time slowly took effect. Crumbling, abandoned, the once impressive structure had become little more than a turn of the century relic destined to fade into history.
“It is kind of a miraculous building."
Sharon Kessler, Bottineau
“It is kind of a miraculous building,” said Sharon Kessler, Bottineau. “In 1900 there was a wood frame building that was moved elsewhere in town. It was replaced with a stone building, starting in July and finished up in December 1900.”
What was the Bottineau County Bank became much better known as the Stone Bank. Situated on a corner of Main Street, it operated as a bank until declared insolvent in 1923. Later it housed a dentist, a doctor, and a lawyer. Several years ago, abandoned, the back of the building collapsed.
“The front part of the building is on a stone foundation. The back was not and was sinking,” explained Kessler.
Kessler moved to Bottineau with her family in 1970 and graduated from Bottineau High School two years later. It was the beginning of her fascination with what newsprint of the day often called the finest building in Bottineau. In 2011 she helped organize Touchstones Inc., a nonprofit organization that purchased the building with the hope of renovating it and opening at least part of it to the public. Kessler is president of the organization.
“It has been a way bigger pill to swallow than I thought,” remarked Kessler. “It is a lesson in being humble, but we are in a really good spot right now.”
Kessler detailed the lengthy process of restoring the building, including the tedious nature of obtaining funding which she described as, “A little here and a little there.” Nevertheless, progress has been made. Kessler gratefully cites assistance from several agencies who have helped fund the project.
Footings were dug to support the back of the building, and concrete block walls have been erected. All effort is being made to have the building retain its historic look.
“This year a loan from the Economic Development Corporation is going toward enclosing the back of the building. Then the roof will go on. We are waiting for trusses,” said Kessler. “When the roof is on and the building is enclosed, we will insulate and do the floor. Next year we will re-attach original stone and put in new windows.”
A stone mason working on the project discovered that a portion of the basement, a small room, has been walled off for many years. What the room was used for, if anything, and what’s in it now, remains a mystery. But it is one that will be solved.
“It could be an old coal bin or something else,” said Kessler. “When we get to that point in the restoration, we’ll see what’s back there. It’s about 100 square feet.”
All the buildings on Main Street are presently filled with the exception of the Stone Bank. Kessler says it is her desire for the completed building to be open to the public so people can look, see, and experience a part the region’s history.
“It’s a beautiful building. We’re going to keep it historic. Even the ceiling tiles will look like it did in 1900.” Kessler
“People in Bottineau are thrilled to see those walls go up,” said Kessler. “It’s a beautiful building. We’re going to keep it historic. Even the ceiling tiles will look like it did in 1900.”
Possible displays inside the building include equipment from an old dental office that was once in the building, and perhaps even something more representative of the bank itself.
“The vault is missing, but we actually have the vault door. It’s a monster,” remarked Kessler.
This past summer three women arrived in Bottineau who expressed a great deal of interest in the old bank. They were grand-daughters of the man who built the building in 1900.
“They were from Florida, Vancouver, and Montana and on their way to a family reunion. They filled us in on family history,” said an elated Kessler. “We were just delighted. They provided pictures we’d never seen. This project has just been magical.”
Further information on the restoration project can be found at stonebank.org or by writing to Stone Bank, P.O. Box 272, Bottineau, ND, 58318.
