On this day in 1919, Wachovia Bank opened a branch location on the northwest corner of Trade and Fifth Street. It was opened for the express purpose of accommodating the thousands of farmers who came to Winston-Salem during the tobacco market. Farmers were paid for their tobacco at the branch bank.
The building was constructed by the Farmers Stock Company, which operated a general store and farm supply business. It was later leased for a harness shop, the Townsend Buggy Company. After it was acquired and used by Wachovia, it was enlarged in 1926. It was the oldest Wachovia branch bank in Winston-Salem.
The above photo shows the building in 1961.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
