Rhyolite Nevada

John S Cook & Company Building

The Bank of John S Cook & Company was first established in 1905 by John S Cook, as a private bank, and with a capital of $50,000. In November 1906, the capital was increased to $250,000, divided into 2,500 shares of the par value of $100, and incorporated. The original incorporators were John S Cook, George S Nixon and George Wingfield, who were also directors of the corporation. In 1908 George Wingfield purchased the interest of George S Nixon, Mr. Nixon retired from the directorate, and W E Johnson was elected in his place. In 1909 George Wingfield acquired the interest of John S Cook, Malvin E Hill was elected as director in the place of Mr. Cook. George Wingfield was president; W E Johnson, vice-president, M E Hill, cashier; and J O Walthers, assistant cashier.

The three-story John S Cook & Company Building, located on the southwest corner of Golden and Broadway (Ramsey Corner) Streets, was constructed in 1907. Construction was done under contract by George Holesworth. The building was made of reinforced concrete with walls 26 to 36 inches thick. It boasted a stairway made of Italian marble; windows of stained glass from Italy; and baseboards of Honduras mahogany. The safe's inside vault weighed 6,600 pounds and could hold a million dollars in coin. The reported cost of the building is $90,000. The John S Cook Bank Building was completed and opened for business in January, 1908. It was built to house the J S Cook banking corporation, which was shortly absorbed by the First National Bank of Rhyolite, Nevada. The post office moved into the basement in 1908; the First National Bank of Rhyolite, Nevada occupied the first floor; and brokers' offices utilized most of the second and third floors.

Some remains of this building still stand in Rhyolite, Nevada today. It was the tallest building in the town and its remains are the tallest in the ghost town. It was a magnificent building at one time. Its a shame that it had to fall in ruins.

For additional photos see the Cook Bank Building Photo Album.