Milestone -
Milestone's local branch of the CIBC celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a special presentation and cake cutting on Friday, October 9th. There was a great turnout for the special event and the staff couldn't believe how many people could fit inside the bank at once! The Canadian Bank of Commerce was founded in Canada in 1867 and opened its doors for business in Milestone, Saskatchewan on August 2nd, 1909. The Imperial Bank of Canada was founded in 1875. The two companies merged in 1961 to create what is currently known as the CIBC or Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. The Milestone branch was one of eight branches opened in Saskatchewan in 1909 and is the only one still operating today of those eight. The branch in Riceton closed in 1932 and its business was transferred to Milestone at that time.
During the presentation Branch Manager, Adele Schmidt, along with Mayor Rick Galbraith, and CIBC representatives Carmen Giblett, District Manager for South Saskatchewan, and past Branch Manager, Joan Popoff, all spoke briefly about the history of the Milestone CIBC. Past Manager Nadeen Reist wasn't able to attend, but did pass along her best wishes as well. Following the speeches Adele then presented the Milestone Library with a cheque for $1500 on behalf of the CIBC and a cutting of the cake followed. Some of the past employees in attendance that day were Bernice Cottingham, Gladys McKim, Bina Campbell, Connie Kinvig, and Debbie Garratt.
There were many stories shared about the CIBC in Milestone including how Milestone came to receive such a beautiful building. The Milestone CIBC's current building was erected in 1912. They said that all of the banks were built prefab in the East and shipped to locations to be assembled. Milestone was to receive the next building when the earthquake in San Francisco destroyed a bank there, so Milestone's bank was redirected to San Francisco. The next building to be sent out was to be sent to the larger center of Weyburn, but was then sent to Milestone as it was next in line. Past employees talked about taking target practice in the basement of the bank and the hole that used to exist in the ceiling of the main floor pointing at the location where the vault used to be found. The hole was just large enough for a shot gun to be pointed and aimed at the vault by the branch manager who lived upstairs! For those who remember the old oak counter that used to be in the bank would probably be interested to know that it still exists within Milestone having taken on new purposes. Part is located at the Milestone Meat Market and Murray Anderson used some of its wood to build a fireplace in their current home.
It was a great afternoon of reminiscing and celebration. Congratulations on 100 years of service within the Community of Milestone and best wishes towards the next 100 years!
The Milestone Branch staff are also excited to announce that they had a very successful "Run for the Cure" on October 4th in Regina raising $1,740 through pledges and the sale of merchandise.
