The Commercial Bank 209 -211 Lonsdale Street, 1964

This photo was taken at the time of demolition of the old Commercial Bank, One can see the old stables still visible in the rear of the property before these too were demolished.

Separated from Dunbar’s Hotel with vacant treed land, the imposing and ornate Commercial Bank was built in 1869. The Commercial Bank also remained with its original façade until it was demolished. ) Its replacement was a two storey brown brick building typical of architecture in the 60’s

The Commercial Bank was the first bank to open a branch in Dandenong,in 1869 and continued throughout the years to support major developments in the town. As the pioneer of banking in Gippsland,it enhanced the central position of Dandenong in the region. The Commercial closed its doors in 1893 despite a public meeting expressing its support.

Tho first manager of tho Commercial Bank was Hector M. Sutherland, For fifteen years Mr. Sutherland occupied bachelor quarters at Dunbar’s Hotel, and I think that in those days everybody in the town and district knew “Mr. Sutherland’s room.” It was situated off the. main entrance, and long after Mr. Sutherland married and took up his life on tho bank premises the room retained its old name.

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