In June 1943, construction began on a new bank building at Camp Adair, providing soldiers with an important financial service right on the post.

The bank was located on Club Avenue, between the guest houses and across from the small theater. Its location placed it near some of the camp’s important recreational and service facilities, making it convenient for soldiers and military personnel to conduct their banking without having to travel into one of the nearby towns.

An agreement was made with the U.S. National Bank of Portland to establish and operate the bank on the military reservation. The decision reflected the enormous size and growing needs of Camp Adair. With thousands of soldiers stationed at the camp, there was a constant demand for services that would normally be found in a civilian community. Opened the end of August 1943 with the weekday hours of Noon to 4:30pm and Saturday from Noon to 2pm some real bankers hours.

The bank provided soldiers with a place to handle their everyday financial affairs, including depositing their pay and conducting other banking business. For many servicemen, having a bank on post was another sign that Camp Adair had developed into a self-contained military community.

Mr. Leland getting into the three-ton safe on the right Pfc William Owen making a deposit. Sentry Aug, 27th 1943