For almost 50 years these murals hung in the lobby of the First National Trust Bank of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, displaying scenes depicting the rich history of the area where the branches of the Susquehanna River converge. The two murals, each over fifteen feet long and four feet tall, had dominated the stately bank lobby since 1956.
Painted by a local artist, they present a tableau of the area's early inhabitants the Susqehannock Indians, the development of the Canal along the river, the significant frontier-era Fort Augusta, the first ever commercial use of electricity (using Edison's dynamos), the evolution of the bank through several eras, and a number of other scenes of local history.
A few years ago, the bank (now known as Susquehanna Bank), underwent a significant renovation, and the murals were taken down and put into storage.
We are currently working with the City of Sunbury and the Northumberland County Historical Society in an effort to see these truly unique paintings displayed for the public to see and enjoy once again. We are funding this Preserving Pennsylvania project in honor of our father, Frederick W. Bisbee, who served as President of the First National Trust Bank for 27 years. Happy Birthday, Dad.
