Mobile: Then and Now

by Tom McGehee

In 1963 a photographer caught the tragic irony of this scene at the south west corner of Royal and St. Francis streets. The U.S. Customs House which had survived since 1853 was being slowly demolished. The First National Bank proudly displays a sign noting a unique way to celebrate their 98th year in operation.

"Building on the Future on the Heritage of the Past" boasts their sign. The planned replacement for the Custom's House and the 1903 and 1930 bank buildings surrounding it complete the message.

There is no longer a First National Bank thanks to a merger. The skyscraper that entity so proudly built is undergoing a long overdue facelift to entice tenants.

Credit: USA Archives, Palmer Collection