As communities grow and change, existing businesses often have to make way for new industries and shops. Occasionally, a business remains throughout these changes, and becomes a fixture in the landscape. Downtown Baraboo, in particular, is fortunate to have several businesses that have remained steadfast over time. Of note, is the First National Bank & Trust (later Wells Fargo), previously on the corner of Oak and 3rd Streets. Prior to Wells Fargo closing this fall, SCHS was given a large donation of First National Bank items. The donation includes many pieces that previously decorated the lobby and board room, including photographs, bank memorabilia and artwork. The photographs and design items help detail the progression of the bank building over its 100 years of history.

First National Bank opened in downtown Baraboo around 1901. A series of photographic prints with the donation show the early days of the bank, including a photo taken from the opposite corner of the intersection. This photograph shows the bank on the ground floor of the building with various offices above. Around 1926 the bank was given a new facade and its first expansion, down 3rd Street. A black and white photo shows the temporary structure built to keep the bank in operation during this transition. In 1993 the bank had its final expansion once more to the north, overtaking the lot previously owned by the Kiddie Kastle clothing store.

Interior photos show the progression of the lobby as well. Following the 1926 renovation, tellers desks wrapped all around the edges of the lobby. In 1982 the bank had an interior design overhaul and removed some of the teller desks to make room for lobby office space. The interior designer's illustration of the new lobby shows the regal update complete with red curtains, chandeliers, and deep wood tones. Throughout many years of the bank, the marble check desk in the center of the lobby remained in place.

Also included with the donation was part of the well-known exterior chime clock, an important fixture of the bank still in place today. This clock was installed in December of 1954, just in time for Christmas. Now in the SCHS collection are two of the stained glass panels that hung below the chime clock, one from the First National Bank and one from Wells Fargo.