Peoples National Bank of Springfield Exhibit Reception

Peoples National Bank of Springfield was referred to as the first integrated bank in downstate Illinois. Dr. Edwin A. Lee Sr. and E. Winfred "Doc" Helm created it in 1970 to serve African Americans on the east side of Springfield. It operated for decades at 2136 E. Cook St. with the motto "where people make the difference." It employed African Americans at all levels and offered checking and savings accounts, loans, stocks and drive-thru services. Created by Mary Frances, director of the nonprofit Untold Histories, this exhibit includes black-and-white photos from the 1970s, architectural plans, artifacts, and oral histories. Exhibit runs for two months.