First National Bank, Youngstown, Ohio, Front Elevation c. 1894

This is D.H. Burnham & Co.’s front elevation drawing for the First National Bank in Youngstown, Ohio. Note the Roman numerals “A.D. MDCCCLXXXIV” inscribed, marking the year 1884, above the classical columns and symmetrical façade. This architectural language evokes the stability and order associated with ancient Rome, a common visual strategy for financial institutions. Consider the clock, prominently centered: a symbol of time's relentless march and, perhaps, the timely management of money within. This element also appears in cathedrals, where time is measured not just in hours but in lifetimes, and the promise of heavenly reward for the faithful. The symbolic weight of classical motifs continues to evolve. These visual cues tap into a deep, collective memory, shaping our perceptions of institutions and their roles in society. These symbols persist because they resonate on a subconscious level.