Restoration of the Bank
The Union Bank building shortly after its move to Apalachee Parkway from Adams Street, ca. 1971
Courtesy of the State Archives of Florida
A decade had passed since the 1971 relocation of the Union Bank during which the building continued to crumble. Many people, including legislators, thought it was an eyesore. The Legislature in 1981 appropriated $10,000 to tear the building down, but Governor Bob Graham vetoed the bill. After vigorous debate, the legislature decided to restore the building at an estimated cost of $300,000. Half of this amount would be provided by the state, if another $150,000 could be raised in under two years.
First Lady Adele Graham, former First Lady Mary Call Collins, preservationist Cora Morse, and other community members formed a group to raise the additional money needed to restore the Union Bank. Bill Mansfield, editor of the Tallahassee Democrat, came up with the slogan “Invest in the Old Union,” or IOU. People from all over Florida, including school children, donated to the cause. Banking institutions in the state donated more than 80% of the funds.
Cora Morse and Jan Dulap install a “Restoration in Progress” sign on the front of the Union Bank building during the early 1980s.
Courtesy of the State Archives of Florida
